When visiting Lindsay, of course the animals are the main attraction. Their keepers are usually behind the scenes, but their work clearly shows through the animals on exhibit. Getting a glimpse of how the animals and their keepers work together gives a new perspective and appreciation for both of them.
While visiting the other day, the kids and I enjoyed both the ground squirrel and gray fox presentations. Terra, the squirrel was very busy running around using her keen senses to find and tear open the tricky food packages placed in her enclosure. After that, it was Kin-Tah’s turn to shine. He’s been “in training” in preparation for a new fox demonstration. On Members-only Tuesdays, visitors get to watch his practice runs as he works with his keeper, Jason, on various skills.
Since they have come to live at the museum, the animals are obviously not required to do many of the things they would be doing in the wild, like looking for food. So, these activities and training sessions allow them to practice and use their natural skills and behaviors. It also gives visitors an opportunity for an up close look at the animals at work - and play!
Kin-Tah will continue his “work-outs” on Tuesday afternoons through August, when the museum is open from 12-5 for members only. If you’re a member, come on by; if not, now is a great time to join! Stayed tuned for when his presentation will be ready for regular museum hours!
