The Florence R. Foerderer Live Animal Center
The Live Animal Center, located in the rear of the Ground Floor, is home to over 100 live birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Ceiling-to-floor observation windows afford visitors an interesting look behind the scenes, where busy staff and volunteers feed, groom and perform other routine tasks involved in the daily upkeep of the animals.
All of the animals are injured or were born in captivity and would not survive on their own in the wild. In exchange for room and board, these animals help us teach visitors about conservation and the environment. They also help us instill and reinforce a respect for wildlife.
These animals play a central role in educational programs throughout the museum. They're featured in the daily Naturalist Shows in the Auditorium and Outside In, a hands-on nature center located on the Third Floor. Elsewhere in the museum, live animals participate in gallery mini-shows and special events. They also play a starring role in Discovery Lessons, interactive classes and workshops for visiting schools, summer camps and other groups. Our teacher-naturalists even take the animals on the road to schools, nursing homes and community events through our Academy-On-the-Go outreach program.
Many Mouths to Feed
Feeding the inhabitants of the Live Animal Center is no easy task. Laura McRae, Manager of Living Exhibits, her staff and volunteers have to cater to the likes and dislikes of animals ranging from an endangered chinchilla, to a personable cockatoo to a Vietnamese beauty snake. It takes 175 hours a week of labor to keep the animals healthy and happy. Here’s what the weekly food shopping list:
- 10 pounds of greens (collard, kale, chard, etc.)
- 3 cases of fresh fruits and vegetables
- 20 lbs. of dry commercial diets (as in duck food, chinchilla food, etc.)
- 1,000 frozen mice
- 60 grapes.
How to Support the Live Animal Center
If you're interested in supporting the Live Animal Center and its role in education, you can help.
Adopt-an-Animal
The public can become an active part of the Live Animal Center by sponsoring an animal through the Adopt-An-Animal program. Funds generated go directly to the care of the animals and help cover food and veterinary costs. Sponsor the care of one of our animals and receive a fact sheet, personalized adoption certificate and special patch. Contact for information.
Volunteer
For more hands-on involvement, anyone 14 years old and older who doesn't mind working hard, sticking to a schedule and loves animals is invited to apply to be a volunteer in the center. For more information on volunteering, check out Volunteering at the Academy or contact Lois Kuter (215.299.1029 or ).
Internships
Those participating in college programs that involve the care of live animals may be interested in pursuing an internship at the Live Animal Center. In particular, the Delaware Valley College's Department of Animal Biotechnology and Conservation (campus.devalcol.edu/smallanimal/index.htm) has a Zoo Science Major with internships at the Academy's Live Animal Center. Anyone interested can contact Lois Kuter at 215.299.1029 or for more information.
Rosedale Mills is a proud sponsor of the Live Animal Center
