Blijdorp Moray Eel

Two Exciting Experiences in Blijdorp

Client: Blijdorp

Tags: Experience

Expertise: 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, Compositing, Motion Graphics

About Blijdorp Moray Eel

At Diergaarde Blijdorp, visitors can dive into the mysterious world of the moray eel with two unique experiences. These interactive installations not only showcase the fascinating nature of this predatory eel but also teach visitors how to be cautious in its habitat.

Credits
3D Moddeling & Animation: Rene Kok
Sound Design: Danny Wiegers

The Moray Eel Attack!
Don’t Get Too Close

The Moray Eel Attack!

The first experience plays on a natural instinct: surprise! In a hole in the wall, a lifelike moray eel model is positioned, with a screen behind it displaying an animated coral reef. But beware—this peaceful scene can change in an instant. As soon as a visitor places their hand too close to the moray eel’s mouth, a digital moray eel suddenly shoots out from a hole in the coral on the screen, lunging toward them! This effect gives visitors a firsthand experience of how quickly and unexpectedly a moray eel can strike if you get too close. A fun yet educational way to highlight the importance of caution.

X-ray Vision

The Moray Eel’s Skeleton

The second experience reveals a hidden side of the moray eel—literally. Using a clever “Pepper’s Ghost” effect, visitors gain X-ray vision. A realistic moray eel model stands before them, but when they look through the special glass, they see something extraordinary: an animation of a skeletal moray eel devouring a crab. This stunning effect demonstrates that moray eels don’t just have one set of jaws, but two. The inner set grabs the prey and pulls it deeper into the throat—an incredible adaptation that makes them highly efficient hunters.

With these two experiences, visitors don’t just learn about the moray eel—they truly experience it in an unforgettable way. A perfect blend of education and entertainment, fully in line with Blijdorp’s mission

The Moray Eel’s Skeleton