Get set for a farm-tastic experience this summer as an Augmented Reality trail starring Shaun the Sheep arrives at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, just 6 miles from Bristol.

A new year brings new arrivals and of course exciting new events to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

Lambing season is now in full swing at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm! The first Dorset lambs have arrived and have been named Wallace, Gromit, Shaun, Timmy and Shirley after the classic animated Aardman characters. The theme of names this year has been inspired by the zoo’s event arriving on 1st April 2023.

From 1st April the zoo is hosting its first ever Shaun the Sheep trail experience, brought to life by augmented reality technology, engaging families and children with their surroundings in an exciting, new way. The Hide and Sheep trail is a fun filled activity for the whole family encouraging visitors to download the free app and find the 11 Shaun the Sheep markers around the zoo. Once found these markers will bring the popular character to life at the zoo in 3D, allowing guests to dance and pose alongside Shaun to create fabulous family memories.

Molly, Attractions and Live Experiences Manager at Aardman said, “We were thrilled to launch the Hide & Sheep A.R. trail app globally last summer, as a mechanism for allowing our fans to engage with Shaun the Sheep in a new way via augmented reality, so it’s really exciting to be working with Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm this year as a popular, local attraction here in Bristol to bring Shaun and the trail to life just down the road from Aardman. This is a wonderful family experience, encouraging visitors to explore and play the ultimate game of ‘Hide & Sheep’, and we look forward to seeing the visitors and animals alike interacting with Shaun at the zoo from April!”

The zoo is thrilled to have a farm themed event in its 25th year of welcoming visitors. The zoo initially opened to visitors as a Farm Centre as a trial in 1998 with lamb racing and trailer rides and has grown to become one of the largest zoos in the South West. The zoo now looks after over 100 species of animals from Armadillos to African Elephants! The zoo has a strong focus on native conservation including the conservation of native Farm Animals and in 2022 received their Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation. The Rare Farm Breeds program at Noah’s Ark, led by curator Chris Wilkinson, aims to support the survival of rare breed British Farm animals for future generations.

“We are excited to welcome Shaun the Sheep this summer. It is a great opportunity to celebrate all things farm with this Bristol based classic. Shaun the Sheep is a much loved animated show amongst the staff and volunteers here at Noah’s Ark and we are all thrilled to be able to welcome him to the zoo from April. We can’t wait to see families enjoying the augmented reality trail here at the zoo!” Rhian, Brand and Engagement Manager.