Liberty Science Center’s Wild About Animals exhibit just got even wilder with the opening of Animal Encounters, a brand-new, state-of-the-art space for animal programming and interactive exhibits.

Designed to bring guests closer to local wildlife, Animal Encounters invites visitors to explore the world of citizen science, animal habitats, and nature observation in a stunning new presentation space with the NYC skyline as a backdrop.

Here are a few highlights to look for during your visit:

Bioblitz!

Created by artist Sarah Dennis, this custom mural is inspired by a bioblitz, an outdoor treasure hunt where researchers, community groups, and citizen scientists work together to identify as many plants, animals, and other organisms as possible in a specific area.

Bioblitzes can take place almost anywhere, including parks, neighborhoods, forests, and beaches. They are a fun and meaningful way to collect data that helps scientists better understand local ecosystems.

This mural features species found in Liberty State Park. Guests can try their own bioblitz by searching the artwork for different animals and plants.

Guess Who? with 16 Different Bird Species

Animal identification can feel like a game, and this interactive activity proves it. Guests can take turns asking questions about a bird’s characteristics, then use the process of elimination to guess their opponent’s secret species!

Learn How to Make Home “Boxes” for Bees, Bats, and Birds

Humans share their neighborhoods with many different animal species. While some wildlife can adapt well to human environments, we can also help by creating safe places for them to live.

In Animal Encounters, guests can learn how specially designed home “boxes” can support bees, bats, and birds.

Animal Tracks

Wildlife often leaves clues behind, and visitors can learn how to spot them. Don’t miss the animal tracks and scat embedded into different surfaces throughout the exhibit. Guests can compare these traces by size, shape, and even color that are embedded in the surfaces!

Become a Citizen Scientist

Animal Encounters also gives visitors the chance to take part in real research projects such as Squirrel Spotter—a citizen science project that tracks populations of gray and black squirrels in urban settings. Guests can also listen to the calls of 8 frog and toad species found in New Jersey, then test their skills by guessing each species based on its croaks, calls, and other sounds.

Learn more information about this exciting new exhibit here, and plan to visit soon!

Animal Encounters is made possible through the generous support from Emily and Jamerson Schriber / Goldman Sachs Gives.