The Milwaukee Public Museum’s newest traveling exhibit opened February 11th, and we got a sneak peek for you.
Survival of the Slowest fro Little Ray’s Nature Centres features 19 habitats with live animals and plants, including a two-toed sloth named Sash, a green iguana, bearded dragon, hedgehog, chameleon, tarantula, box turtle, and dozens of other species.
These often-disregarded species have used their disadvantages to help them survive – and even thrive – in a world where large, strong, and fast animals are often the top of the food chain.
The exhibit takes place on the 2nd floor of the museum in their traveling exhibit space. You’ll enter through the large glass doors.
There is an additional fee for this exhibit, so be sure to ask when you purchase your general admission tickets.
You’ll be greeted by a giant hanging sloth at the entrance, a boa constrictor in the glass cage to your left, and a stage for live animal presentations and feedings to your right.
Visitors will discover that “chilling out” and moving slowly can have its advantages.
You’ll learn about the different survival strategies of various species, the advantages and disadvantages of their traits, and biology concepts about survival in the animal world.
Wildlife educators will be on hand for both impromptu and scheduled demonstrations with the animals. You might even see the wildlife educator feeding them.
(We’re told that some kids will have the chance to “high-five” a tarantula.)
The limited-engagement exhibit runs through May 19th.
If you join the museum, you get free and unlimited access to the exhibit, plus free admission to the Museum and Planetarium throughout the year, and more.
Special Events
SPRING BREAK
Monday-Saturday, April 3-8, 2023 (excluding Tuesday)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Take an even closer look at the animal adaptations in Survival of the Slowest during MPM’s spring break programming. Microscopes will be set up for guests to get up close with some of the most extreme adaptations animals have made to survive in their habitats.
MYSTERY AT MPM (Family Edition)
Saturday, April 27, 2023
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Grab your magnifying glass and detective hat to follow a series of family-friendly clues through the twisting corridors and shadowy corners of MPM’s exhibit halls for an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or two!) of their rarely seen objects. Groups of 2-10 are suggested. Recommended for children age 6 and up.
For more information, head to the mpm.edu.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
