ROCHESTER, NY, Feb. 4, 2020 – The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) welcomes visitors of all ages… and species?
RMSC Animal Week is back with a new theme, “Animals as Superheroes,” from Saturday, February 15, to Sunday, February 23; during February break for most schools. Throughout the week, visitors will learn about the amazing, superhero-like adaptations that enable animals to survive, and thrive, in their habitats around the world. Animal Week programs are free with regular museum admission.
“Animal week is one of our favorite events because it brings the community together around a subject that so many of us are passionate about: Animals,” said Allison Shultes, Director of Audience Engagement & Education at RMSC. “The animal kingdom is full of fascinating creatures, each with their own personalities and fun scientific facts. Sharing these animals with visitors is a great way to spark their curiosity about so many things in the world around them, from biology, to technology, the environment, and more.”
Animal Week allows visitors to engage in hands-on learning about different members of the animal kingdom. Instead of seeing animals in a book or behind glass, visitors will get an up-close opportunity to meet the animals and engage with the expert staff and animal handlers as they learn more about them. Local organizations, such as the Wildlife Rockstars, Pitty Love Rescue, World of Wildlife Educational Encounters (WOWEE), and more will be at the museum with their animal-friends throughout the week.*
“We started this program in response to the community’s love for animals and, over the years, it has evolved into a great way to increase awareness and appreciation for the natural world and the animals in it,” said Kevin McNally, Head of Public and Adult Programs at RMSC. “It also sheds a spotlight on our local community’s efforts in wildlife conservation and education.”
In addition to interacting with live animals, you can also look forward to an assortment of activities that can interest the whole family:
- An “I Spy with My Eye” museum-wide animal scavenger hunt.
- “Walk on the Wild Side” and discover the stories that animal tracks can tell us and make a set of your favorite tracks to take home.
- Explore how species all across the animal kingdom use their “Super Senses” to see, hear, taste, and smell.
- Discover how animals use camouflage to create a “Now You See It” act by blending into different environments.
You can enjoy additional hands-on activities and meet the RMSC’s education animals in the Carlson Inquiry Room, and get a state-of-the-art experience by visiting our featured exhibit, SciFiTech.
There will be more animals to meet and something new to explore every day, so make sure to check back throughout the week so you don’t miss anything.
*Local organizations and animals listed may not be at the museum every day of the week, and appearances will vary based on the group schedules and animal needs. Please check the website and social media to see which groups will be here on specific days.
Animal Week and related programming are free with regular Science Museum admission: $18 adults, $17 seniors and college students with ID, $16 ages 3 to 18, free for children under 3 and RMSC members. For group reservations and rates, call 585.697.1942.
Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) includes the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Cumming Nature Center. Offering experiences at the Museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits, the Planetarium with a 65-foot dome and the Nature Center on 900 acres, the RMSC stimulates community interest in exploration. In addition, the more than 1.2 million RMSC collection items tell the story of Rochester’s past including its rich history of innovation and invention. RMSC receives major funding from Monroe County, where it is one of the top five most visited attractions serving children and families.
For more information about RMSC, visit rmsc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
