Overview:
Designed as a new and innovative approach, the "Chimp Finder", or Chimp LIAISON (Live Interactive Animal Identification System and Observation Network) provides the Zoo visitor a connection to the animals never previously experienced. LIAISON will provide unprecedented access to the animals, their individual and group habits as well as the activity of their daily lives. Through technology being designed and developed by Viper Vertex, visitors will be able to select the animal(s) of interest, understand their interrelationships and then view a variety of information and/or "short bios" about them. The easy to use interactive display will include text/graphics and live video. The unique design of the system will make it easily accessible to all zoo visitors.

LIAISON will be introduced for the first time this spring with the debut of the Fragile Forest Exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo. Jody Gillerman (CEO of Viper Vertex) commented, "As part of the Chimp LIAISON Project we have had the privilege and opportunity to work with the staff at the Saint Louis Zoo. We are continually impressed with their vision and excitement about the project.   Working with the Zoo Keepers and learning about the specific Chimps at the Saint Louis Zoo has reinforced our belief that LIAISON will provide a much greater personal connection between the zoo visitor and these unique and intelligent animals".

The technology utilized in this project has evolved from years of experience designing exhibits that provide visitors a unique perspective on the observed environment.   Because visitors go to zoos to see animals and not technology, the LIAISON system has been designed to enhance the visitor experience without being obtrusive. The state of the art technology can provide a visitor with much of the information a Zoo Keeper might provide if they were standing there talking about their Chimps. LIAISON will educate, inform and engage the visitor.

About Viper Vertex and the LIAISON System:
Viper Vertex, co-founded by Jody Gillerman (CEO) and Rob Terry (CTO), is an Emeryville, California based company that was originally founded to design and produce science and art exhibits. The company's reputation has been built on its ability to creatively combine content and technology with exciting innovative and easy-to-use interfaces. Viper Vertex exhibits have been designed and developed for nationally known science and technology museums as well as for traveling exhibitions both in the United States and abroad. LIAISON System is the result of connecting the two founders love for animals with their career experience designing exhibits.

For more information about Viper Vertex and LIAISON Systems please visit www.vipervertex.com .

Founder Personal Information:
Jody Gillerman was born and raised in St. Louis.   She is a California based artist whose works integrating art, science and technology have been broadcast , installed, and shown nationally and internationally. She is Professor of Electronic Arts and Multimedia at California College of the Arts (formerly California College of Arts & Crafts, CCAC), Oakland, CA. She travels the world videotaping and photographing total solar eclipses, active volcanic lava flows and surrounding cultures.   Gillerman holds an MFA from Chicago Art Institute and a BA from Duke University, NC.   Website: www.vipervertex.com .

As a child, Ms. Gillerman's parents frequently took her to the Saint Louis Zoo. Her fascination and love of animals has always been a significant influence in her life. The opportunity to work with the Saint Louis Zoo to develop the first LIAISON System has been a dream come true. "It's rare that you are able to work with one of the 'thought leaders in the industry' and have that same institution be one that holds a special place in your heart".  

In further explaining her excitement about the project Ms. Gillerman said,   "I love animals and creating innovative interactive environments. Joining the two together for this unique new concept is very exciting - and working with live Chimpanzees is like starting at the top! This will be our first major project working with live animals."

Rob Terry has worked as a Technical Director of E-Commerce Technologies, Software Developer, and Information Architect.   Mr. Terry is a talented product designer who has produced more than 24 commercial products for companies including: SGI, CNET, PC World, Island Graphics, Everex, Dinippon Screen and Unda Oy.   He is a leader in promoting strategic vision through design, architecture and efficient production methodologies. He is also an accomplished musician with a wide range of expertise in computer technologies enhanced by an extensive background in audio/video production and post-production. Website: www.vipervertex.com

Mr Terry says of this project, "It is an intriguing challenge and quite exciting to invent a product that lets visitors personally get to know animals via LIAISON!"

Conservation:
Many species of the Great Apes are in serious danger of extinction and their numbers in the wild are staggeringly small. It is the hope of the co-founders of LIAISON systems that by helping zoo visitors connect personally with animals, in this case Chimpanzees through "Chimp Finder" at the St. Louis Zoo, the concern for conservation will become a priority.