The Museum of Idaho is thrilled to announce its next special exhibit, Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest, opening to the public on Saturday, October 7.
Experience the magic of the rainforest and many of the animals who call that habitat home -- right here in eastern Idaho. Under the Canopy will focus on the crucial role these massive, yet dwindling rainforest regions play in our global ecosystem, along with ongoing conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in this uniquely engaging exhibit featuring nearly two dozen exotic LIVE animals, including a sloth, a boa constrictor, and even a water dragon. You might even get a chance to meet some of these critters up close and personal!
“We get pretty motivated by the idea of not only bringing world-class cultural and learning experiences to the community, but making sure we’re always doing something new, something a little better than before," MOI Executive Director Jeff Carr said. "This exhibit does that. We’ve never had live animals as part of an exhibit, but you can’t talk about the rainforest – our most diverse ecosystem – without them.”
An experienced caretaker from the Little Ray's Exhibitions will be on site daily to care for each creature. Little Ray's is the largest exotic animal rescue in North America and a proud member of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which abides by a strict code of ethics and international standards of conduct for animal care. Experts from the Idaho Falls Zoo will also help ensure this exhibit holds the treatment of animals to the highest standard.
"MOI is grateful to partner with the Idaho Falls Zoo to help guide us through this process," Carr added. "We let them know we were considering an exhibit with live animals, and they not only welcomed it with open arms, they’re providing impressive expertise to help us do it right. We’re all in this community together.”
This special exhibit has traveled to some of the largest museums around the world, and MOI is excited to be able to offer this unique and interactive educational experience in Idaho Falls as we continue our mission to bring the world to Idaho, and Idaho to the world!
Source: www.museumofidaho.org