SARAH KEIRLE-DOS SANTOS

The Noisy Zoo is an application where user interaction enables transition between different animal sonic and behavioural identities. It was created using UNREAL game engine 4.25 and FMOD middleware 2.1.  The interface features a map of Jersey Zoo, where the sounds were recorded, with buttons marking each area– sometimes a single enclosure, sometimes multiple enclosures in the same space. There are two modes: Voice Mode and Soundscape Mode.

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Voice Mode: Clicking on an enclosure/area brings up an image of every resident species. Pressing an image will play a single call of the animal randomly chosen from a list of their sounds.

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Soundscape Mode: Each enclosure/area has its own sonic identity based on the recordings and physical behaviours of the animals within it. Clicking on an enclosure/area smoothly transitions into its sonic experience; these sections vary in the amount of randomisation involved, but all have been constructed to keep interest whether someone listens for ten seconds or ten minutes, while mostly remaining a relaxing and meditative experience for the listener. The form is dynamic as the structure of the sonic experience relies entirely on the user’s interaction with the interface.

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Many thanks to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for their help during fieldwork.

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Performances:

March 2025: MANTIS, UK

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