Museum’s Wildlife Rescue exhibit to include live animals

FERGUS –  The Wellington County Museum and Archives is coming alive with a new exhibit, “Wildlife Rescue,” running until April 5.

The exhibit, created by Ottawa-based animal rescue, Little Rays Exhibitions, features seven creatures:

grey rat snakes;

red-knee tarantulas;

Hog Island boa constrictors;

burmese star tortoise;

crested geckos;

cane toads; and

domestic ferrets.

County museum curator Hailey Johnston told the Advertiser the animals are for viewing only, and will remain within their habitats at the museum.

“This is not a petting zoo situation,” she said.

Johnston said it’s uncommon for a community museum to bring such an exhibit “because of how complex it is.”

Little Rays provided county staff with hands-on training about the animals.

“We’re really excited to be able to give our residents who would have to travel out of the area for the opportunity to see something like this,” Johnston added.

Touch-screens displaying info about conservation efforts, including video from the late Jane Goodall, will accompany the critters.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to bring awareness to these less popular animals and the challenges they face,” Johnston said.

“Each of these animals are incredibly important and they all fulfill roles in their native habitats,” she added.

“They’re just as important as the cute, cuddly animals.”

Johnston hopes guests will experience a newfound appreciation “for how we all fit together in this world” and “maybe come away with a new favourite animal.”

According to Johnston, making responsible pet choices and considering the wellbeing of species with a positive and ethical perspective are some of the ways people can be “responsible citizens.”

Conservation efforts

Throughout the exhibit’s building process Johnston realized conservation efforts can look vastly different.

She thought of species being at risk and the need to encourage successful breeding, as well as safeguarding the environment – until she met two cane toads.

“The toads were rescued from Florida where they are an invasive species,” Johnston said, adding the toads are killed when found in the southern state.

Now the pair are kept by Little Rays for educational purposes.

“[Conservation] isn’t just saving or trying to protect animals in their natural habitat, but also being aware of the effect of introducing animals somewhere where they’re not native and the effects it can have on other ecosystems,” Johnston said.

Interactive programming

Museum staff are planning interactive programs  that don’t include holding the animals, but guests may get a chance for supervised contact.

“We don’t want to promise specific animals to the program because that will change based on how often each animal has been coming out. We are not forcing any animals to participate in anything,” Johnston said.

For more information about the species and education programs visit wcma.wellington.ca/exhibits/wildlife-rescue.