HU students partner with Fort Wayne Zoo on award-winning animation

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University’s Digital Media Arts students have partnered with the Fort Wayne Zoo for several years to create engaging animated content for the zoo’s social media channels. These projects highlight animals and events while showcasing the creative talent of HU students.

One recent project earned national and regional recognition. The animated video placed in multiple competitions, including: Winner of the Commercial category at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Central Great Lakes Chapter, 2nd place in Video Spot Production at the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters, and Bronze in the Elements of Advertising – Film Video & Sound category at the American Advertising Federation of Fort Wayne.

The student team included Briena Myers, Abigail Fontes, Alyssa Dodd, Alanna Brioli and Elijah Carr, with faculty oversight from Professors Tyler Welker and Curtis Wood. Together, they developed the concept and brought it to life through vibrant animation that has reached thousands through the zoo’s online platforms.

To view the award-winning video, visit Fort Wayne Zoo’s Facebook page.

Huntington University’s partnerships with community organizations like the Fort Wayne Zoo allow students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful, high- impact projects.