IN THE EYES OF THE ANIMAL Virtual Reality Experience Coming to Cardiff's Bute Park

Today, Migrations and RSPB Cymru in partnership with City of Cardiff Council have announced that a virtual reality experience called In the Eyes of the Animal will be at Bute Park, Cardiff from 15 July until 4 August with a press launch on 14 July.

In The Eyes of the Animal was created by immersive experience studio Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) who are pioneers in the virtual-meets-real-world space. Audiences will enter an environment where nature and technology collide. Sculptural virtual reality headsets, textured with bark and moss to reflect the surroundings, enable visitors to view the natural habitat from the perspective or a range of creatures. Filmed using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and bespoke 360º cameras, and set to a binaural soundtrack using audio recordings sourced from the forest, In the Eyes of the Animal is an encounter that will give people a new perspective on Cardiff's public parkland.

Follwing the success of TAPE in 2015, creative producers Migrations will again work with RSBP Cymru's Giving Nature A Home in Cardif projectf. As the biggest virtual reality experience to come to Wales, Migrations and RSPB Cymru believe that In the Eyes of the Animal will inspire the next generation to look after Cardiff's amazing wildlife.

Karine Décorne, Artistic Director of Migrations said: "Migrations strives to bring international performance to Wales through innovative colloborations, commissions and partnerships. Therefore, we are thrilled to be collaborating with Marshmallow Laser Feast in not only bringing this extraordinary experience to Cardiff but to be introducing Wales to such an incredible virtual reality experience. It has been wonderful to work with RSPB Cymru and the success of TAPE last year exceeded our expectations. We know that In the Eyes of the Animal will capture the imagination of people here in an unforgettable way."

Carolyn Robertson, Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff Project Manager, said: "Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff is bringing thousands of young people in Cardiff closer to nature and we're so excited to be part of In the Eyes of the Animal - a chance for people to experience nature from a totally new perspective and be immersed into woodland wildlife. It's the perfect excuse to spend an unforgettable day in Bute Park and enjoy a magical moment in the trees."

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Bob Derbyshire, said: "The Welsh capital is blessed with some brilliant parks and green spaces but it's all too easy to live in a city without giving any real thought to the natural world that surrounds us. The Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project is really helping to put nature back into childhood and In the Eyes of the Animal will really enhance the sense of wonder that the natural world evokes, engaging families, art and nature lovers with the city's wonderful wildlife."