ALLENTOWN, Pa. — There's something fishy about Da Vinci Science Center's newest exhibit.
The venue has announced its latest exhibit, “Sharks,” will open Oct. 12.
The display, organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, will offer "an up-close and personal look at one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures — offering a jaw-dropping experience for visitors of all ages," a release from Da Vinci said.
“This exhibit is not only a thrilling visual experience, but also an opportunity to educate people of all ages about the importance of sharks in our oceans and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.”Da Vinci Center Executive Director Lin Erickson
“Sharks” will run through March 2. Admission is $10 in addition to the $20 general admission, with tickets available on the Da Vinci Center website. There is no charge for age 2 and younger.
“Sharks” will be an interactive exhibit that dives into the world of these majestic predators, uncovering the mysteries of their biology, behavior, and conservation.
Visitors will see "what makes sharks unique and vital creatures in the ocean’s ecosystem and the challenges they face in today’s changing environment," the museum release said.
“Sharks have long captivated our imaginations, and we’re excited to bring this exhibit to our visitors,” Da Vinci Executive Director Lin Erickson said.
“This exhibit is not only a thrilling visual experience but also an opportunity to educate people of all ages about the importance of sharks in our oceans and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.”
Exhibit highlights
On opening weekend, Da Vinci Science Center will hold a series of shark-themed activities, hands-on workshops and interactive displays "that dive deeper into the science behind these incredible creatures," according to a release.
Exhibit highlights include:
• Dozens of life-size shark models — ranging from 5 1/2 to 33 feet long (the world's largest fish, the whale shark) that will let visitors get "a true sense of scale" of various shark species.
It includes a scientifically accurate model of megalodon, the largest predatory fish of all time, called the "Tyrannosaurus Rex of the seas"
• An array of 12 casts of jaws and teeth of various shark species — from a great white shark’s serrated teeth for hunting seals to a zebra shark’s small, sharp teeth specialized to chew through shells
• An interactive experience in which visitors detect prey in a hunt, like a Hammerhead shark
• Fossils of extinct species, such as the buzzsaw-jawed Helicoprion. Sharks have been around for nearly 450 million years — more than 200 million years before the first dinosaurs
• Shark Anatomy Exploration, which lets visitors "discover the inner workings of a shark’s body with hands-on activities that teach about their senses, anatomy and unique adaptations"
• Shark Conservation, which teaches about global efforts to protect sharks and how, as predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
