The Center’s Division of Global Programs hosted an exhibit titled “Animals and the Future” at the UW’s “PAWS-on-Science” outreach activities from March 30 to April 1 at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
The exhibit included information for children on methods used to study animals in the wild and included hands-on activities with some of the equipment and techniques used by researchers in the field. Children had opportunities to learn about radio telemetry, GPS, trap cameras, and biological sample collection.
“The exhibit demonstrated the close relationship between humans and the environment and how animals can provide the first indication of future environmental impact and global health issues,” said Randy Kyes, head of the division and WaNPRC core staff scientist.
“One of the exhibit activities that was a real hit involved a hands-on demonstration of primate fecal sample collection to look for intestinal parasites,” Kyes said. “Of course no real fecal samples were used, but the fake ‘pooh’ attracted a lot of interest.”
Close to 10,000 people attended the three-day outreach event which showcased almost 50 UW research groups.