January 22 - May 7, 2011

Don't miss the special exhibit Animal Secrets, open at the Virginia Museum of Natural History from January 22 to May 7, 2011.

Where does a chipmunk sleep? What does an eagle feed its young? How do mother bats find their babies in a cave? In Animal Secrets, families will learn the answers to these questions and more as they explore the hidden habitats and secret lives of forest animals. Using imaginative role-play and hands-on activities, children will discover nature from an animal’s point of view in naturalistic environments, including a stream, woodland, meadow, cave and naturalists tent.

PLAY with animals in a realistic habitat at the Stream. OBSERVE the sights and sounds of the Meadow. PRETEND to be an eagle, chipmunk and racoon in the Woods. EXPLORE the unfamiliar environment of the Cave. INVESTIGATE specimens from the natural world in the Naturalists' Tent.

Animal Secrets is specially designed for children ages 3-8; preschool to 3rd grade school groups; and has English and Spanish text panels.

Click here to visit the Animal Secrets Web site.  This site includes exhibit photos, fun online activities, valuable links, and downloadable resources.

Call 276-634-4161 or email debbie.lewis@vmnh.virginia.gov to learn about exhibit sponsorship opportunities.