Natural History Showcase
The EcoTarium was founded in 1825 as the Worcester Lyceum of Natural History, and is one of the oldest Natural History Museums in the United States. Our oldest specimen, a whale’s tooth, was collected that same year. We’ve been adding to our collection ever since, and now have approximately 50,000 specimens.
We have over 300 specimens on permanent display, and hundreds more that are available during special programs. Each quarter, we will pull one of the hidden gems from our collection to put on display.
Currently Exhibiting:
White-Tailed Deer
White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are originally a woodland species. As the eastern United States have become more built up, Deer have adapted to a suburban lifestyle. Deer become adventurous in the fall, as they search for mates and find food for the upcoming winter.
Male Deer grow a new pair of antlers every year, starting in the springtime. The antlers start as simple spikes, but can become large and branched depending on the age and health of the Deer. Males fight with each other for access to mates, using the points of the antlers to attack, and the branches of the antlers to fend off others’ attacks. Once the mating season is done in the winter, the males shed the antlers.
Exhibit is included with admission.
