The Marine Mammal Skeleton Project at UBC - looking for partnerships
What is this project all about?
The Marine Mammal Skeleton exhibit at UBC's Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory is a scientific, educational and artistic exhibit. It is a dynamic representation of the marine mammals found along British Columbia's coast. Each skeleton tells a story with placards giving information on the ecology of the species and major threats to its existence. People are fascinated with these skeletons; the exhibit has become a popular field trip and tourist destination receiving visitors from all over the world.
What is the current status of the project?
The first phase of the project is now complete. There are seven marine mammal skeletons on display. Planned future installations include two Dall's porpoises racing through the ocean; a larger hunting killer whale to accompany the first; a 12-foot-long northern elephant seal rearing its massive body up in combat against a competing male; and a vertically-mounted humpback whale, rushing up, jaws agape, to fill its belly with prey trapped at the surface of the ocean.
Why become involved?
In our fast-paced lives it is easy to forget about our amazing natural world. Contributions to the Marine Mammal Skeleton Project will build a lasting resource that supports and fosters inquisition and brings people closer to their environment. With your help, this exhibit will allow people of all ages a chance to intimately connect with some of the incredible marine mammals found in our oceans for generations.
Funding opportunities are now available. To learn more about this exciting project and how you can become involved, please call us or speak with Dr. Andrew Trites (604-822-8182; a.trites@fisheries.ubc.ca).
The Marine Mammal Skeleton exhibit at UBC's Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory is a scientific, educational and artistic exhibit. It is a dynamic representation of the marine mammals found along British Columbia's coast. Each skeleton tells a story with placards giving information on the ecology of the species and major threats to its existence. People are fascinated with these skeletons; the exhibit has become a popular field trip and tourist destination receiving visitors from all over the world.
What is the current status of the project?
The first phase of the project is now complete. There are seven marine mammal skeletons on display. Planned future installations include two Dall's porpoises racing through the ocean; a larger hunting killer whale to accompany the first; a 12-foot-long northern elephant seal rearing its massive body up in combat against a competing male; and a vertically-mounted humpback whale, rushing up, jaws agape, to fill its belly with prey trapped at the surface of the ocean.
Why become involved?
In our fast-paced lives it is easy to forget about our amazing natural world. Contributions to the Marine Mammal Skeleton Project will build a lasting resource that supports and fosters inquisition and brings people closer to their environment. With your help, this exhibit will allow people of all ages a chance to intimately connect with some of the incredible marine mammals found in our oceans for generations.
Funding opportunities are now available. To learn more about this exciting project and how you can become involved, please call us or speak with Dr. Andrew Trites (604-822-8182; a.trites@fisheries.ubc.ca).
