How many of you would like to know what it’s like to “be” an animal, or rather, see how animals/ocean-life see the world through their eyes? Well, now you have a unique opportunity to do just that, thanks to National Geographic’s wonderful exhitibition, Crittercam! Located upstairs in Discovery Place, there is 6,000 square feet of space dedicated to this glimpse into a different world and it’s one I think you and your family would definitely enjoy!
Based on more than 20 years of research, National Geographic has worked carefully to not disturb the natural habitat of creatures on our planet. Placing cameras on the animals had to have been a difficult challenge, as they were very careful that the camera would not disturb the animal in movement and caretaking abilities. I paused to study an exhibit of how the cameras have changed over the years, and it’s amazing how our technology has improved to make this entire study become a possibility. And one for us to enjoy!
When you walk into the main exhibit, you will find mini camera shots on either side of you until you enter the main, hexagon styled room. Conveniently quartered off, you can focus on a specific animal or sea creature and some stations have an interactive play area. My daughter had a lot of fun focusing on the penguin station! I encourage you to check it out, as you or your child can climb underneath the “bubble” that has a camera facing you, but the penguins gather your attention, rather than the camera. Climb back out and you will get to see a delayed camera so you can watch yourself look around! Great fun for kids! (Me, I felt a little sheepish once I saw what I looked like, unaware that it was a delayed recording, HA!)
So what stations did I find?
- Seals and Sea Lions
- Sharks (you can’t miss the huge 18-foot long shark model staged inside!)
- Penguins
- Sea Turtles(containing a life sized leatherback turtle model that the kids I’m sure will climb all over!)
- Whales
- Land Animals (lions, bears, cats, dogs)
I hope you get a chance to take your family this summer! The exhibit runs from May 26-September 16, 2012, and the best part is, it’s FREE with admission to the museum.
Have a wonderful summer!
Dislaimer: Discovery Place provided me a tour of the exhibit, the opinions of this article is mine. Thanks!
Andrea
Latest posts by Andrea (see all)
- National Geographic: Crittercam at Discovery Place! - May 30, 2012
- Healthy Homemade Popsicles - May 18, 2012
- Mother’s Day: History of “The Brunch” - May 11, 2012
Thanks for the great post and photos, Andrea! It was wonderful to see you as always. Hope you all had fun.
Logan Stewart
Manager, Marketing & PR
Discovery Place, Inc.
Thanks Logan! My daughter and I had a wonderful time. We look forward to returning this summer too. Always a great way to spend an afternoon.