Tucked within Boston's Museum of Science, the Live Animal Care Center offers an extraordinary window into the world of wildlife care and conservation. This specialized facility doesn't just house amazing creatures — it tells their stories, shares their journeys, and helps you understand the vital connection between animal welfare and environmental preservation.
The Purpose of the Live Animal Care Center
Imagine a place where science education meets compassionate animal care, where every day brings discoveries and meaningful connections between humans and wildlife. That's exactly what you'll find at the Live Animal Care Center at Boston's Museum of Science. This facility serves as both a home for diverse species and a dynamic classroom where visitors of all ages can learn about wildlife biology, behavior, and conservation.
The center's mission extends far beyond simply displaying animals. It serves as a model for ethical animal care, a training ground for future wildlife professionals, and an inspiration for the next generation of conservationists. Through carefully designed programs and exhibits, you can witness firsthand how professional animal care integrates with scientific education to create meaningful learning experiences.
A Closer Look at the Animals in the Center
Step into the Live Animal Care Center and you'll find yourself surrounded by a fascinating array of creatures, each with its own story to tell
Types of Animals You'll Meet
The center maintains an impressive collection of animals that showcase the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
Native New England Wildlife:
- Eastern box turtles that demonstrate local reptile adaptation
- Red-tailed hawks that represent regional predator species
- Eastern screech owls that highlight nocturnal adaptations
- White-footed mice that show small mammal behaviors
Reptiles and Amphibians:
- Ball pythons demonstrating different color morphs
- Red-eyed tree frogs showcasing amphibian adaptations
- Bearded dragons displaying social behaviors
- Blue-tongued skinks exhibiting unique defense mechanisms
Small Mammals:
- Degus demonstrating social colony behavior
- Chinchillas showing specialized fur adaptations
- Hedgehogs highlighting defensive capabilities
- African pygmy mice exhibiting natural behaviors
Birds:
- African grey parrots demonstrating cognitive abilities
- Cockatiels showing flock behaviors
- Button quail illustrating ground-dwelling adaptations
- Budgerigars displaying social interactions
Invertebrates:
- Chilean rose tarantulas showing molting processes
- Madagascar hissing cockroaches demonstrating decomposer roles
- Walking sticks illustrating camouflage adaptations
- Leaf-cutter ants displaying colony organization
Of course, the animals you encounter on any specific day may vary — after all, as the animals receive care and heal up, most are released back into the wild.
Unique Animal Stories
Each resident at the center has a compelling history that helps you understand the importance of wildlife conservation and responsible pet ownership. Take Jane and Darwin, two cotton-top tamarins. These primates are part of a species survival plan to help their endangered species repopulate and be reintroduced to their natural habitat.
Or consider Cobalt, a "rehab fail" blue jay who came to the center through a wildlife rehabilitation program. Imprinted on the people caring for him and unafraid of humans, he enjoys his life at the center and helps educate visitors about avian facts and the impacts of human activity on local wildlife.
Behind the Scenes: How the Animals Are Cared For
The dedicated staff at the Live Animal Care Center maintains exacting standards that ensure each animal receives optimal care.
Morning Procedures:
- Health checks for each animal
- Habitat cleaning and maintenance
- Fresh water provision
- Temperature and humidity monitoring
- Behavioral observations
- Medical treatments as needed
Dietary Preparation:
- Custom meal planning for each species
- Fresh produce preparation
- Live food cultivation
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Portion control monitoring
- Feeding schedule management
Environmental Enrichment:
- Novel object introduction
- Food puzzle implementation
- Habitat rearrangement
- Social interaction opportunities
- Training sessions
- Sensory stimulation activities
Educational Opportunities at the Live Animal Care Center
The center transforms animal care into engaging learning experiences that bring science to life.
Interactive Experiences
Daily Programs:
- "Meet the Animals" presentations
- Feeding demonstrations
- "Ask a Keeper" sessions
- Training demonstrations (scheduled seasonally)
Special Programs:
- Behind-the-scenes tours (advance registration required)
- Junior keeper workshops (school vacation weeks)
- Birthday party experiences
- School group programs
- Summer science programs
Conservation Messaging
Educational Themes:
- Habitat preservation initiatives
- Species recovery success stories
- Climate change impacts on wildlife
- Human-wildlife conflict resolution
- Sustainable resource management
- Biodiversity protection
Practical Conservation Tips:
- Reducing plastic waste
- Creating wildlife-friendly gardens
- Supporting local conservation efforts
- Making sustainable consumer choices
- Participating in citizen science
Why the Live Animal Care Center Matters for Conservation
The Live Animal Care Center stands at the forefront of wildlife conservation, making meaningful contributions through several interconnected approaches. Its research initiatives have proven invaluable to the scientific community, with ongoing behavioral studies providing fresh insights into animal welfare and care practices. By carefully documenting and analyzing how different species respond to various enrichment activities, the center helps develop better care protocols that can be used in facilities worldwide.
The center's commitment to professional development shapes the next generation of wildlife care specialists and conservationists. Through comprehensive keeper training programs and veterinary internships, aspiring professionals gain hands-on experience in animal care while learning about the complex challenges of wildlife conservation. Students pursuing careers in biology, veterinary medicine, or environmental science find unique research opportunities that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. These educational experiences often lead to innovative approaches in conservation practice and animal care.
Perhaps most significantly, the center's impact extends deep into the community through dynamic public education initiatives. By partnering with local schools, the center helps young people develop a lasting connection with wildlife and understand their role in conservation efforts. These partnerships often spark lifelong interests in science and conservation, creating advocates for wildlife protection who will carry this passion into future generations.
Through its environmental advocacy work, the center helps translate scientific understanding into actionable conservation measures. By sharing success stories and highlighting ongoing challenges, they help you understand how individual actions connect to larger conservation outcomes. This approach has proven particularly effective in promoting sustainable practices and encouraging community involvement in local conservation efforts.
Visit Boston's Museum of Science With CityPASS®Tickets
Make the most of your Boston adventure with Boston CityPASS® tickets, which offer significant savings on admission to the Museum of Science and other premier attractions. Through careful planning and CityPASS® tickets, you can create a perfect day that combines the fascinating world of the Live Animal Care Center with other exciting things to do in Boston, making memories that will last a lifetime while saving on admission costs.
Boston Lodging
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Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Museum of Science