Have you ever seen a baby reindeer in the womb? How about the inside of a camel’s skull? No? Well don’t miss this opportunity as you can experience this and much more at Animal Inside Out—the newest exhibition to settle in at The Leonardo.
Created by anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens who also developed the original human-oriented Body Worlds exhibit, Animal Inside Out allows visitors to explore the biology, zoology and physiology of more than 100 creatures from the animal kingdom. Each animal is preserved using Plastination, invented by Dr. von Hagens, which allows for the display of organs, blood vessels and musculature in a remarkably life-like state.
Animal Inside Out explores the inner workings of goats, lobster, cats, giraffes, pigs, reindeer and ostriches to name a few.
As you begin your tour of Animal Inside Out, take your time from the start. Unlike the human Body Worlds, this exhibit is small and intimate and many of my favorite animals from the sea were near the start. Squid, shark and octopus swam into view immediately and I knew this was biology learning at its finest.
Moving further in, you’ll find larger mammals including the aforementioned goats and reindeer along with a horse, camel, male bull and spectacular giraffe. Towering over the exhibit, museum-goers will find half of the giraffe’s skeleton exposed while the other side displays musculature. Nearby, hanging cross sections of the body mirror this giant animal marvel.
Throughout the showing, human anatomy is also on display to show the similarities between humans and animals. Dr. von Hagens along with co-creator and curator Dr. Angelina Whalley hope that the exhibition will lead to greater respect and appreciation for all life through their portrayals of these biological wonders.
It’s important to note that no animals were harmed or killed for the exhibit, as Animal Inside Out was made possible with cooperation between various university veterinary programs and zoos.
Animal Inside Out will run through mid-September at The Leonardo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
Cost of tickets are $19 for adults; $16.50 for youth (12-17), seniors, students and military; $15 for children (6-11); free for 5 and under.
The Leonardo
209 E. 500 South