New Orleans,
24
May
2019
|
15:22 PM
America/Chicago

Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Headed to Audubon Louisiana Nature Center

It’s the Science of What’s Eating You — Exhibit Opening May 29

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center guests are invited to visit this special exhibit to discover the biological wonders of sanguinivores — creatures that eat blood — through encounters with live species and interactive educational features starting May 29 through September 1. 

Attack of the Bloodsuckers! explores the science of what’s biting you in this skin-crawling installation. The kid-friendly exhibition examines the what, why, when, and how of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other parasites. Guests can learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem — and how to keep them out of your system.

“During summers in New Orleans, we know to expect certain discomforts: the weather will be balmy, hurricanes might threaten us, there will be long lines for snowballs, and the mosquitoes will try to carry you away. Blood suckers exist in our world. We invite guests to embrace the things we can’t change and come visit this indoor exhibit that helps explain why mosquitoes are so fond of some of us, and have a little fun doing it,” – says Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Director of Operations Isaac Wyatt.

Attack of the Bloodsuckers! provides guests with helpful hints for avoiding these sometimes-annoying creatures. Simple precautions such as keeping your yard free of standing water, where mosquitoes breed, and checking yourself carefully for deer ticks before they can transmit Lyme disease, go a long way toward keeping you comfortable and safe.

This one-time-only, temporary exhibit will be in the Nature Center’s Interpretive Center. There is no charge to view this exhibit. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will also host Mosquito Fest on July 27. This free event will feature fun activities, a blood drive, a free CPR and Stop the Bleed class, experts from Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and New Orleans Mosquito Control, a food truck, and more.

For more information about the exhibit or information about the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/nature-center.

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.

Attack of the Bloodsuckers!

Attack of the Bloodsuckers! is produced by EEC! — the Environmental Exhibit Collaborative (ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Vermont; EcoTarium in Massachusetts; and the Children’s Museum of Maine) — and made possible by grants from Jane's Trust, Cabot Family Charitable Trust, and the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services.

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