We did it again!

Our annual museum Open House was a success with over 2,800 visitors! It is great to see so many people interested in Natural History and visit our collections each year – thank you all for your support!

In the tetrapod collection, visitors could meet Willoughby, our manatee from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

manatee skeleton

Anna Smith admiring the manatee

The skeleton was meticulously cleaned and re-assembled by Andy Yoak, EEOB graduate student; during the Open House, Andy tirelessly answered questions about the process of assembling a skeleton as well as the life history of manatees. Visitors could also see a short video documenting the process.

manatee skeleton

Andy Yoak explaining the manatee skeleton

Thousands of birds die each year when they collide with man-made structures, in particular windows. We encourage people to collect these dead birds and bring them to the museum so that we can prepare them into museum study skins, accession them to our collection and make them available to future research. Now we are giving these birds out for yearlong adoptions.

birds for adoption

Stephanie Malinich with birds for adoption

Some, like this House finch, have already found a supporter.

adopted House Finch

This House Finch has been adopted

If you would like to find out more about this program and adopt a bird please visit here.

Open House at the Museum

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? Bring your friends, colleagues and family to the Annual Open House at the Museum of Biological Diversity on Saturday, February 7th from 10am – 4pm. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet and talk to researchers and staff and to marvel over the beauty and diversity of specimens they so meticulously care for all year.

This year’s theme will take you into the world of plants and animals that have been the  source and inspiration for the most potent poisons and medicines. The complexity of these chemicals is matched only by the complexity of behaviors, anatomies, and biology that organisms have evolved to deploy these natural weapons.

Come explore nature indoors at the Museum Open House! Hands-on activities for kids and adults. Live animals. Treasure Hunt. Special displays. Tours of the collections. Lots and lots of fun!
FREE ADMISSION.  FREE PARKING.