How Zoos Are Turning Interpretive Signs Into Multilingual Guest Experiences

At Jacksonville Zoo, 28.9% of CheQRboard users are selecting Spanish as their main language, showing just how powerful multilingual access can be.

How Zoos Are Transforming Interpretive Signage Into Multilingual Guest Experiences

Traditional interpretive signage is often limited by space, language, and how much information guests are willing to read while standing in front of an exhibit. Jacksonville Zoo and Zoo New England are using CheQRboard to extend their signage beyond the physical sign, giving guests access to multilingual content, trivia, fun facts, audio tours, conservation messaging, and deeper animal stories directly from their phones.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that most guests do not want to stop and read long blocks of exhibit text. In fact, the more information you try to fit onto a sign, the less likely many guests are to engage with it. With Jacksonville Zoo and Zoo New England, CheQRboard helps replace long, static text panels with simple, creative calls to action like “Scan here for a fun fact” or “Scan here to test your knowledge.” This keeps the physical signage clean and inviting, while giving guests a more interactive way to learn at their own pace.

At Jacksonville Zoo, one of the most powerful results has been language access. 28.9% of CheQRboard users are selecting Spanish as their main language, showing how important it is to give guests the ability to learn and interact with animals in the language they are most comfortable with. Instead of limiting exhibit content to one language or overcrowding signs with translations, CheQRboard allows the zoo to make information available in a dozen different languages while keeping the physical signage simple and easy to understand.

Zoo New England is also using CheQRboard across its interpretive signage to create more engaging learning moments throughout the guest journey. Visitors can scan QR codes to access animal facts, conservation information, trivia questions, audio tours, and behind-the-scenes stories about the animals and the care they receive. This gives guests more ways to engage with the exhibit, whether they want a quick fun fact, a deeper educational moment, or content in their preferred language.

One of the most impactful opportunities is using these educational moments to build an emotional connection before making a donation ask. Instead of asking for support immediately after someone scans a QR code, Zoo New England can guide guests through a more meaningful journey. A guest might first test their knowledge, then learn a fun fact, then discover behind-the-scenes details about how the zoo cares for the animals, and only then be invited to support the work.

By the time the donation prompt appears, the guest has already learned something, connected with the animal, and better understands the mission. That creates a more thoughtful and natural path from education to action.