Come Face to Face with Wild Tigers at Westfield


WWF launch virtual reality experience in north atrium

Take a break from shopping at Westfield and come face to face with wild tigers.

WWF has launched an immersive virtual reality experience in the shopping centre's north atrium as part of a new awareness and fundraising campaign to highlight the plight of wild tigers.

Putting shoppers in the shoes of a wildlife ranger, WWF’s Tiger Experience transports participants to the heart of the tigers’ forest habitat to witness first-hand the work of rangers who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect tigers from poaching.

Featuring cutting edge computer graphics created by experiential agency BEcause, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the threats tigers face in the wild, and help secure vital support for the global goal to double wild tiger numbers by 2022 – the next Chinese Year of the Tiger.

Shoppers can experience the virtual reality campaign until Sunday July 31 before it moves on to Westfield Stratford.

Kerry Blackstock, Director of Public Fundraising at WWF-UK says: " Sadly wild tiger numbers have declined by over 95% during the last century due to threats like poaching and habitat loss. 2016 marks the half way point of global efforts to double wild tiger numbers and, for the first time in conservation history, we’ve seen an increase in wild tiger numbers to almost 3,900.

" We’re at a pivotal moment but we need a monumental push forward to ensure tiger numbers continue to increase up to and beyond 2022. To do this we need commitment and dedication from all tiger range governments but also the passion and unwavering support of the general public.

" We hope that our innovative new tiger experience will not only raise awareness of the tireless efforts of incredible rangers but also inspire the nation to help us protect the tiger for generations to come."

WWF say that everyone can play a part in helping to double wild tiger numbers. To find out more and adopt a tiger, go to the tiger experience website or on Twitter at #WWFTigerExperience.

The VR experience will also be available to view publically on WWF-UK’s YouTube channel from 8th August 2016.

July 28, 2016