I find myself in tears while wearing a VR headset. I have just experienced a virtual reality narrative centered around a young pangolin named Chestnut, who faces the challenges of survival in the Kalahari Desert. The expansive, arid terrain surrounds me, and her armored form appears vulnerable as she curls up alone to rest. This narrative is inspired by the life of an actual pangolin that was monitored by researchers.
Chestnut struggles to find sufficient ants to sustain herself, as the population of insects has declined due to climate change. Despite her fatigue, her cheerful voice remains hopeful. In the concluding moments, she succumbs to her fate, prompting me to awkwardly remove my headset to wipe away my tears.
Research indicates that VR experiences can offer more than mere entertainment. Scientists are uncovering that immersive nature experiences presented through virtual reality can influence our attitudes and behaviors, potentially encouraging us to take greater care of our environment.
My impactful VR journey with Chestnut’s tale was created by HabitatXR, a production studio located in Johannesburg. The founder, Ulrico Grech-Cumbo, established the company in 2016 after numerous excursions into the African bush, where he documented its lush yet dusty landscapes and remarkable wildlife. With prior experience in virtual reality, he recognized the potential to transform his footage into a more engaging experience.
“I envisioned it would be incredibly enjoyable to immerse myself in a natural history documentary,” he remarks.
In the United States, it is reported that approximately 100 million individuals, including 28 million children, lack access to nearby parks. In such circumstances, virtual reality nature experiences could provide an opportunity for individuals to engage with a simulated yet educational and uplifting representation of the natural world. Furthermore, as Chirico points out, “The advantage is that you remain in your home, which leads to reduced emissions – you can discover breathtaking landscapes that would otherwise necessitate extensive travel by airplane or automobile.”
As I wiped away tears while watching the conclusion of HabitatXR’s narrative about Chestnut the pangolin, a message appeared before the credits: “This isn’t a story about pangolins. Or ants. Or even climate change. This is a story about us.” This served as a poignant reminder that humans are integral to the same ecosystems as flora and fauna.
“The central theme,” Grech-Cumbo states, “is that we are a component of nature, rather than its antithesis.”