UW News

November 20, 2008

Mammals rule at Burke Museum Family Day Nov. 22

Discover the incredible diversity of mammals from around the world at the Burke Museum’s third annual Meet the Mammals family event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.


Meet experts from the Burke and beyond who are eager to share their vast knowledge of the animal kingdom. Encounter more than 100 mammal specimens, including a special display on mammals of the Arctic, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages:


  • Real mammals — Explore skulls, skins, and skeletons representing mammals of all kinds from around the world, from shrews to bats to whales and everything in between.
  • Whale skeleton — Assemble an orca whale skeleton with Seattle Aquarium staff.
  • Prehistoric fossils — See real mammal fossils from the dinosaur era and beyond. Mammal experts — Learn from Burke mammalogists about biodiversity and special adaptations in mammals of all shapes and sizes.
  • Nature Exchange — Learn more about the Nature Exchange program for kids at the Woodland Park Zoo.
  • Creatures of the cold — Touch arctic mammal specimens, including a polar bear skull and pelt, caribou antlers, arctic fox, and arctic seal pelts from the Burke’s own collection and then visit The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World to learn more about how these animals live in the Alaskan Arctic


Meet the Mammals is presented by the Burke Mammalogy Division. Activities are included with museum admission. No live animals will be present. For more information on this event or the Burke Museum and its exhibits, visit online at www.burkemuseum.org.