With Orlando being the top tourist attraction in the world, tourists fly into and out of Orlando on a daily basis. However, on September 20th, 2014 the only thing flying into the Orlando Science Center are BATS!!! That’s right, the newest traveling exhibit entitled Bats: Myths and Mysteries will take over the Orlando Science Center. The exhibit will deature live animals, education simulations, interactive displays and more!
This hands-on, educational exhibit will introduce visitors to the amazing world of the flying mammal people are both frightened and fascinated by. After visiting, guests will have a new appreciation for these misunderstood creatures and be armed with knowledge to aid in the preservation of the species.
“Bats: Myths and Mysteries” will motivate attendees to explore the natural world, grasp the importance of bats to the ecosystem and provide the tools to protect these fascinating animals. Promoting strong community-based involvement, participants will be encouraged to conduct habitat monitoring, bat watches, become involved in bat conservation and educate others about the importance of bats around the world.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of the tropical fruit bat habitat and get a glimpse of the vast pallet of Chiropteran diversity. Live bats will be cared for by animal keepers from the Organization for Bat Conservation who will also engage the public in daily live programs about the different species on display.
At “Bats: Myths and Mysteries” visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Come face-to-face with 25 – 50 total specimens from around the world including straw-colored fruit bats from Africa, big brown bats from North America, Egyptian fruit bats from Africa and short-tailed fruit bats from South America.
- Don a pair of giant bat ears and experience the sensitivity of bat hearing.
- Learn about echolocation and the importance of bat conservation.
- Match bats with their preferred foods.
- Unveil the mysteries and debunk the misleading myths surrounding bats.
Experience “Bats: Myths and Mysteries” with admission to Orlando Science Center which is $19 for adults and $13 for youth (ages 3 – 11). Tickets include access to all four floors of exhibits, giant screen and 3-D educational films, one Hollywood feature-length film, and live programming.
For more information, call 407.514.2000 or visit www.osc.org/bats.