Experience first the natural elements that make life on Earth possible: air, water, and energy in the form of light and heat. Encounter the variety of animal life inhabiting our planet, including: reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, and insects. Massive wall displays illustrate the diversity of fauna and flora right here in the Carolinas, from the mountains, down through the piedmont, and out to the coastal plain. Don’t be alarmed by the full sized black bear mother, cub, mountain lion, and other mounts waiting to greet you!

Venturing further, explore the range of habitats that make up our world, including: mountains, plains, wetlands, marshes, and rainforests. A simulated sea turtle nest depicts the early life cycle of these elusive marine reptiles. Look carefully to find red eyed tree frogs living in a display dedicated to rainforests. A combination of life-like and life-sized static exhibits and animatronics explores survival strategies and threats to large African fauna including hippos, rhinos and giraffes.

Willy’s Crab House overlooks the living marsh exhibit, a museum favorite featuring a 2,800 gallon salt water aquarium. Please don’t splash. But observe carefully and interact gently with a changing variety of Atlantic Ocean sea creatures including fish, spider crabs, hermit crabs, sea urchins and more.

Compare alligator and crocodile skulls in the wetland predator display, and take your picture with an incredibly life like gator mount. Nearby is a live alligator housed safely behind glass in an enclosure simulating the appearance of the natural environment. Also, learn to identify locally found snake species, both venomous and non-venomous, and the important role they play in the Carolina ecosystem.

Red Wolves, Loggerhead Turtles, and Peregrine Falcons are the subject of an exhibit looking at success stories of threatened and endangered species in our region. More intimate exhibits focus on what each of us can do to improve the world we share. Conserve energy. Protect and live with wildlife. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. And learn to stop pollution around your neighborhood and backyard, along area streams, and riverbanks.

Museum assistants are here to answer questions and conduct Live Animal Encounters for visiting groups. These allow visitors to interact with reptiles and other specimens from the Museum’s teaching collection.