PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — “Under the Canopy” is a new rainforest exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University that uses interactive sessions and live animals to teach guests about biodiversity.
More than that, Marina McDougall, vice president of experience and engagement at the museum, said the new exhibit also sparks conversations about climate change and conservation.
“I think there is something here for children and there is also something here for adults and everything in between because you were brought into the magic of the rainforest through the animals and then there is the awareness that is raised around the threats to the rainforest and what we can do to protect them,” she said.
At the launch, public science educator Delivis Niedzialek was on hand talking about the two-toed sloth on display. Maple is brownish in color, but a sloth in the wild could appear to be green because they move so slowly and vegetation could grow on top of them.
“Vegetation basically grows around them. Moss and algae just grow over their fur,” siad Niedzialek.
He was speaking to a group of visiting students from Girard College.
Eight-year-old Azariah Hill said the snake was her favorite.
“I wasn’t afraid to touch it, because it’s just not scary,” she said.
Other animals guests can learn about include: red-footed tortoises, Brazilian black tarantulas and crested geckos.
Life-size statues of a gorilla, crocodile, and giant turtle are also popular for selfies.
“Under the Canopy” is running at the Academy of Natural Sciences through Sept. 2.