SciTrek's new interactive exhibit, "Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats," brings the world of bats into the light of day, explaining the mysteries and dispelling popular misconceptions about bats. Using special effects, multi-sensory interactive displays, a Gothic castle, and lifelike environmental settings like caves and rainforests, the exhibit describes the ecological importance of these creatures and gives visitors a true appreciation of the bat world.
Dr. Merlin Tuttle, founder of Bat Conservation International (BCI), the international leader in conservation and education initiatives that protect bats and their habitats, served as a scientific consultant in the development of the "Masters of the Night" exhibit.
As visitors enter the exhibit, you get an opportunity to view the world as a bat sees it - upside down! The exhibit continues by walking you through the ages of time and the changing representations of bats over the centuries by different cultures around the world. A hall of bat portrait photography and a giant screen video introduce you to the real world of bats as diverse mammals that benefit the environment with their fascinating abilities.
You then enter a rainforest setting at dawn for a look at bats' habitats and appearance. Interactive displays demonstrate roosting habits, hibernation, echolocation (sonar ability), pollination, flight, and other key behaviors. Finally, the exhibit takes you through a curator's office where they can touch models of anatomical specimens and learn about current scientific research involving bats.
For more information about "Masters of the Night" and other exhibits at SciTrek, visit the website at www.scitrek.org.
