The Denver Museum of Nature & Science normally uses models, fossils and preserved specimens to bring the dynamic natural world to visitors, but in the new Animals of the Rainforest exhibit, guests have the opportunity to see up-close and personal some of the forest’s most beautiful inhabitants.
“This exhibit provides the opportunity for people to see something special, something they normally don’t get to see here,” said Dr. Frank Krell, senior curator of entomology at the museum. “We know people love seeing live animals and this is an opportunity to see animals from rainforests from all over the world.”
Animals of the Rainforest is currently on display at the museum, 2001 Colorado Blvd., and is free with a general admission ticket.
The immersive exhibit features a mix of live animal displays and informative content on a range of topics, from how the rainforest ecosystem works, to the many threats these critical places face from humans and technology. There are also animal sculptures set up throughout the exhibit that are perfect for climbing on and taking a family photo.
But of course, the biggest draw are the many animals that people can meet. Species on display include a sloth, python, iguana, boa constrictors and tortoises, all within intricately designed habitats that replicate their natural rainforest environments. The wildlife’s caretakers are also on hand to answer questions and provide more information about the animals.
“Documenting rainforests’ biodiversity is a really important way to preserve it for the future,” Krell said. “And here in Colorado, it provides the opportunity to see animals we normally don’t get to see.”
As is always the case at the museum, curators and have expanded the exhibit by adding features from the museum’s vast collection of preserved specimens. For this exhibit, the museum showcases a beautiful and bright collection of rainforest butterflies.
The hope is that by learning more about rainforests and the many creatures that call them home, visitors will be inspired to do what they can to help protect them. The forests face threats from ranching and deforestation, among many other man-made pressures. We can all do our part to aid in rainforest conversation, and the exhibit highlights this fact.
“You can reach people better through their feelings and emotions rather than lecturing them,” Krell said. “If people feel connected to these places and animals, they may want to do something to preserve them.”
For more information, visit www.dmns.org/visit/exhibitions/animals-of-the-rainforest/.
Play a ‘Mindgame’ at Wheat Ridge Theatre Company
There’s still time to catch the last weekend of the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company Playhouse’s production of “Mindgame,” written by Anthony Horowitz and directed by Selena A Naumoff.
The show is a psychological thriller set in a mental hospital and focuses on a true crime writer who hopes to interview a serial killer for a new book he’s working on. The writer doesn’t have a good feeling about the place, and the longer he’s there, the worse it gets.
“Mindgame” runs through Sunday, Nov. 10. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Get tickets at www.wheatridgetheatre.com/.
Schoolhouse Theater Brings ‘Nunsense’ to the Stage
Parker Arts is welcoming autumn with “Nunsense,” a hilarious musical revue that is running at The Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 Mainstreet in Parker, through Sunday, Nov. 17. Performances are at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
According to provided information, the show tells the story of a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). “Nunsense” has been updated with new jokes, arrangements and a new song.
You definitely don’t want to miss this laugh-riot of a musical, so get tickets at https://parkerarts.org/event/nunsense/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — MICHELLE at Lost Lake Lounge
New York City’s indie rock group MICHELLE specialize in the kind of alt rock that hits you like a dream: quietly and then all at once. They beautifully use dreampop soundscapes and R&B touches to take listeners on an internal journey that is both enlightening and compelling. The band’s latest album, “Songs About You Specifically,” might be their strongest yet, showcasing exciting new approaches to their music.
In support of the new release, MICHELLE will be performing at the Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. They’ll be joined for the evening by opener ggwendolyn.
Get tickets at https://lost-lake.com/.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at [email protected].
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