INSIDE LOOK
Up Close with our Live Exhibits
Adrienne Testa Director of Exhibits & Facilities
The Sciencenter values science as a way of understanding the world around us. We create curious and confident thinkers by designing handson exhibits that encourage science process skills.
Over the last few years, we started to reimagine our robust and diverse animal collection through this same lens - encouraging our visitors to take a closer look at animals, make observations and learn about the world around them through science.
During the summer of 2020, our animal collection became more of an attraction than ever. Covid protocols removed hands-on exhibits from our floor, yet we were determined to continue engaging our visitors through interactive experiences.
Our Live Exhibits Department designed a “Pop Up Animal Room” with a layout that allowed volunteers to interact with guests freely and easily through our “Meet a Reptile” program. The space proved to be a dynamic addition to our Live Exhibit spaces. We started to envision a permanent gallery where visitors could have more interactions with our animals and continue building science process skills.
We began development and design for a gallery space that gets visitors “up Close and Personal” with our animal collection while offering a different learning experience from our existing animal exhibits.
Our new gallery encourages visitors to observe, compare and contrast, and look closely at animals to learn about and understand them.
In addition to greater hands-on engagement with the animals, we’re exploring the use of other tools to help visitors notice characteristics of the animals in our gallery.
With funding from the Legacy Foundation, we are designing engaging animal exhibits that feature doors that open at the front so volunteers and staff can easily take animals out to meet visitors. The content we highlight in the gallery will encourage families to observe animals and inspire curious explorers. We can’t wait for you to see it!
Ask an Animal Keeper
Q: What happens when a salamander touches your lips? Does it burn?
Colin Says: I’m not sure I can answer this question because I’ve never tried kissing a salamander! It’s also not something I would recommend because all salamanders contain some kind of toxin in their skin. Generally, these toxins are not too dangerous; they usually taste really bad and can give you an upset stomach if you eat some, but I’ve never had the misfortune to learn about this firsthand.
SPRING EQUINOX 2023 VOLUME 40 ISSUE 1 sciencenter.org
Colin Meeks, Curator of Live Exhibits
INSIDE LOOK
Plan Your Visit
Admission:
General: $10 Seniors: $9 Under 2: Free
Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
Mondays: Check our website!
Find up-to-date information about our hours, events, programs, and more on our website: sciencenter.org
Thank You Corporate Members!
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Celebrating Percy the Corn Snake
The Sciencenter is home to many animals that have made a lasting impression on our visitors. Percy, our beloved corn snake, may have been the most memorable to date. We are heartbroken that after 17 years of charming guests, Percy passed away in early March. She was conceived, born and raised here at the Sciencenter and was integral to our hands-on animal experiences. Often deemed “the friendliest snake in the world,” Percy interacted with hundreds of thousands of volunteers, staff and visitors of all ages during her life. She encouraged many to become curious about snakes and reptiles. We will remember how she inspired our community and the impact she left on the Sciencenter. If you have a story about Percy you’d like to share, email: info@sciencenter.org
Test Your Own Observation Skills!
Have you seen any of these animals at the Sciencenter?
Look for them in our galleries on your next visit!
Volunteer Spotlight: Marley
How long have you been a Sciencenter volunteer?
For three years, working mostly with the live collection. I have a background in animal research, but missed working with animals in the field and love kids so this was a good fit!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering here? I love to experience kids engaging with the live collection. It’s really fun to see their enthusiasm for science and watch them connect it to the world around them.
Do you have a favorite Sciencenter animal? Norbert the Bearded Dragon (right) and Strawberry the Rhino Iguana!
You can find Marley at our Touch Tank or “Meet a Reptile” upstairs in our Mezzanine Gallery.
Sciencenter 601 1st Street Ithaca, NY 14850
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