Local: Experience the World Through Animal Eyes in National Geographic Crittercam at Discovery Place

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

  Dive beneath the surface of ice with penguins, swim through tropical landscapes with turtles, forage in the forest with a family of bears and see the world as never before through the eyes of some of the planet’s most majestic and powerful creatures when National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes opens May 26 at Discovery Place. Showcasing the ongoing research of National Geographic’s Crittercam, a scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by wild animals, the exhibition invites visitors to see the world through animal eyes and encompasses more than 20 years of scientific invention and research collaborations.

The 6,000-square-foot exhibition, developed by the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., takes visitors on a journey through interactive displays, firsthand footage and realistic environments that explore the many stories and animals that are part of the science and adventure of Crittercam. With a focus on devices worn by seals and sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, whales, penguins, bears and lions, tracking through Crittercam has uncovered stunning insights into animal life.

 New discoveries include:

·         The habits of emperor penguins to find prey along the bottom of sea ice rather than during deep portions of their dives as previously believed;

·         The distinctive hunting patterns of tiger sharks and how those patterns influence behavior of their prey;

·         The tendency of male harbor seals to use and defend locations offshore, where they use vocalizations to attract mates and/or repel competitors;

·         The underwater dynamics and specialized roles of individuals in groups of humpback whales practicing a complex foraging behavior known as bubble-net feeding. 

Visitor Information:
Crittercam will be on exhibition at Discovery Place from May 26–September 16, 2012 and is FREE with Museum admission. Admission to Discovery Place is $12 for adults (ages 14-59); $10 for seniors (ages 60 and older) and $10 for children (ages 2-13); FREE for children younger than 2 and Members. Tickets to the IMAX Theatre are just $5 when purchased with Museum admission. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Discovery Place’s extended summer hours begin May 26. The Museum will be open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5:00 p.m. For more information call (704) 372-6261 x300 or visit discoveryplace.org or crittercamexhibit.com.