Wildlife Rescue at Fernbank

Have you ever wondered how seabirds are saved from environmental disasters and what happens to orphaned baby elephants? Ever wondered just how those oil covered birds are cared for and released back to their natural habitats? Or what happens when a mama raccoon gets run over and leaves her babies behind?

The new special exhibition Wildlife Rescue, Making its U.S. debut at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, offers visitors the opportunity to experience compelling stories of animal rescue from around the world, including answers to all of those questions and more.

“We often hear how wildlife is struggling for survival, but we don’t always hear the success stories,” said Fernbank Museum’s Lynn Anders, Education Programs Manager--Animal Programs. “As visitors explore the hands-on activities and multi-media encounters of Wildlife Rescue, they become involved in the powerful stories of conservation and rescue efforts, see the work of those who are saving species one animal at a time, and realize how they can become part of restoring the balance of nature.”

Throughout the journey through Wildlife Rescue, visitors engage in interactive components as they explore the innovative methods used to capture, raise and release endangered species, including elephants, orangutans, pandas, whooping cranes, sturgeon, Iberian lynxes, prairie dogs, American burying beetles, and other species.

Wildlife Rescue involves visitors in compelling stories of animal rescue and restoration, the passionate people who are dedicating their lives to taking action, and the science behind their efforts. Through interactive elements, visitors step into rescue efforts and learn the innovative science involved in these rescue initiatives. The exhibition also allows visitors to experiment with techniques and tools used by rescuers through hands-on components and multimedia experiences, and even “visit” an elephant orphanage and orangutan sanctuary.

On view from February 4 through May 6, 2012, Wildlife Rescue lets visitors experience the excitement of rescuing and returning diverse creatures back to the wild as they explore the new, emerging science of “Restoration Biology” that is saving all types of animals from the brink of extinction.

The new IMAX® film Born to Be Wild, which shows from January 2-May 18, 2012, offers another view into wildlife rescue efforts as audiences are introduced to the extraordinary people who rescue orphaned orangutans and elephants—saving endangered species one life at a time in the lush rainforests of Borneo. Join world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas and celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick as their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild.

The exhibition is included with Museum admission, which is $17.50 for adults, $16.50 for students and seniors, $15.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and is FREE for members and for children 2 and younger. IMAX® film tickets are $11-$13 (or $8 for Members). Value Pass tickets include Museum and IMAX admission for $19-$23 (or $8 for Members).

Wildlife Rescue is a production of Science North, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The exhibition is sponsored locally, in part, by the Isdell Family.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE in Atlanta. Tickets and visitor information are available online at fernbankmuseum.org or by phone at 404.929.6300 (information)/404.929.6400 (tickets).