As we wrap up LSC’s Wild About Animals spring celebration, we are reminded how our love for animals and the science of the world around us brings us all together. From a young alligator to a baby kangaroo, guests spent spring break encountering an incredible range of species that spark curiosity in the minds of learners of all ages.

Yet for many people, opportunities to experience wildlife up close can be limited. Visitors who are visually impaired may not have the same opportunities to observe wild species, such as the poison dart frog or the venomous Gila monster, as sighted visitors who can safely view them from a distance. And while these animals are fascinating, they are not suited for close human interaction. With the help of The Phoebe Project, however, all visitors are invited to engage with these remarkable species in a new, more inclusive, and meaningful way.

Designed to make wildlife more accessible, The Phoebe Project models are detailed forms that invite hands-on exploration. Inspired by a visually impaired child named Phoebe, this project was created as an initiative to foster understanding of animals through physical and tactile experiences.

“Now, not only can guests feel a model of a frilled lizard, but also see what it would look like with its frill extended as well,” said Fred Hartmann, Senior Director of Exhibition Operations at Liberty Science Center. “This deepens connections with the animal and aids in building additional understanding of its adaptations.”

We’re thrilled to now feature eight models from the Phoebe Project in our Wild About Animals exhibition, including tactile representations of a green tree python, a puffer fish, a frilled lizard, and more! By exploring each model through touch, visitors can better understand the animals’ true size, shape, and proportions, creating a deeper and more meaningful connection with wildlife.

Check out these beautiful models during your next visit to the Wild About Animals exhibit at Liberty Science Center!