"CAMP CRITTERS" ANIMAL SHOW AT SAN DIEGO ZOO CREATED BY UTOPIA ENTERTAINMENT
September13, 2011– San Diego, CA- The longest-running animal show in U.S. history has received a makeover. The new show at the San Diego Zoo’s Wegeforth Bowl was created and produced by Utopia Entertainment and is the first scripted show at this venue since it was opened in 1939. Integrated with the Zoo’s animal training professionals, Utopia staff created an animal show that features X species of animals, original music and an all-new stage.
The “Camp Critters” animal show is set in a mythical summer camp for both humans and animals. The show follows the adventures of counselors-in-training Shirley Perkins and Harry (a sea lion) who, together with the entire audience as new camp recruits, must complete a series of challenges in order to obtain their “camper’s badge.” The comedic show is layered with multiple animal appearances and surprises that support the theme as a camp where animals rule the roost.
“The San Diego Zoo has a vast array of animal ambassadors and amazing animal trainers, which allowed the Utopia staff to design ‘Camp Critters’ around the strengths of the staff and the animals,” said Daniel Burzlaff, president and chief executive officer of Utopia Entertainment. “We designed the new show and set to in a way that the trainers will be able to incorporate new animals into the show so the performance is always evolving, which means that there is always something different for returning guests.”
The new show opened in June and continues the Zoo’s tradition of showcasing California sea lions, which are joined by other animals including a wolf, a porcupine, macaws, ducks and a beaver. Audiences enjoying the new show have the unique opportunity of seeing many different types of animals working in harmony and in close proximity to one another as well as to the guests.
“The San Diego Zoo strives to create a world-class experience for each of our guests,” said John Dunlap, director of the San Diego Zoo. “Utopia’s experience in live-show production and their expertise in creating lively, engaging shows allowed us to improve upon the Zoo’s long-standing animal show tradition.”
Utopia Entertainment, Inc., with production offices in Los Angeles, California, is a leading provider of entertainment solutions for clients around the globe. Utopia Entertainment’s Design, Production, and Operations groups all focus on a singular goal: Providing “World Class” themed entertainment and special event experiences worldwide. For more information please contact Nicole Casano at Utopia Entertainment, Inc., 661-254-9943, or on the web at www.utopiaworldwide.com.
The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.
