Event name: Excursion to the National Zoo

Event time and place: 5/5/2024 at the National Zoo

  1. In the Small Mammal House, each species has a range of habitat locations, a habitat biome, a diet, and a short description. They have things like the Golden headed Lion Tamarin, Fennec fox, Brush Tailed Bettong, and Sand Cat. The endangered species have a special sign that tells you how you can make choices that make sure they don’t go extinct. I found them informative as they provided new information about the species. They also have an explanation for some objects found in the exhibits, like crates, explaining why they are there, which is also informative. I think the hall is aimed at everyone, as they have both very basic information that hits key points, but also longer ones under those for people looking to learn more. However, I don’t think people looking for scholarly pursuits will find anything particularly complex. I very rarely, but not never, saw people reading the plaques.
  2. In Amazonia, each species has a short description and their scientific (and informal) name. The exhibits have species such as the Sunshine Pleco, Parrot Cichlid, Electric Eel, and the Brazilian Rainbow Boa. They have art of habitats all over the walls, which isn’t really informative but is nice for helping get a better sense of how these species live. Later on, they have pictures and maps of research and conservation institutes in South and Central America that are working to protect these species now, which is very informative, telling you about the struggles of these creatures and the science that is trying to save them. I think this hall is a little more advanced than the small mammal hall, but is on a comparable level. This time I did not see a single person not in sgc reading the plaques.
  3. To present their information, the zoo uses other forms of communicating that isn't just text on a plaque. They have people outside an exhibit presenting information and having a trivia game to raise awareness of amphibians and climate change. They also have pictures of the people living in the habitats of these creatures in the Amazonia section, showing how humans influence the ecosystem and how the area was settled.
  4. Since the animals are living in unnatural captivity which can be stressful and uninteresting, the zoo has made accommodations in the habitats to keep the animals safe and happy. The elephants have a hanging rope and tire, presumably for them to play with the make their lives more interesting. The indoor animals have places to hide outside of the view of people, to reduce their stress and make the zoo more comfortable for them.