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:
Snowy Owl
Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are adapted to cold climates. Their white feathers camouflage them in their snowy environment. Unlike other birds, they have feathers covering their feet right down to the talons.
Snowy owls usually live in the Arctic circle, but will travel as far south as Massachusetts during the winter. This has become more frequent in recent years. Climate change has altered the flow of air around the north pole, destabilizing the vortex that usually keeps cold air contained. Snowy owls travel with the cold winds, and then become stranded much further south than their usual range.
Exhibit is included with admission.
