A Different kind of Zoo- The Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum
Tuesday, 08 December 2009 01:51
The extreme heat, the rocky, sand-ridden landscape, the danger of hidden insects and reptiles.
The desert isn’t exactly prime viewing ground for everyday people to observe its natural surroundings.
However, it is hard to duplicate.
The Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum, located right in the midst of the Sonora Desert in the Southwestern United States, has managed to carve out a beautiful bit of the desert and make a place where it is safe, fun and informational to learn about the desert and the plants and animals it contains.
Raptor Free Flight
The exhibit allows the birds to fly freely and allows viewers to see how different birds of the desert act in nature. The website explains which birds you may see at each viewing time slot. This event occurs from October 25 through April 11 at 10:30 am and 1:45 pm.
Watch this video of the Raptor Free Flight on Sunday December 6, 2010.
Another daily presentation is the Running Wild- Live Animal Presentation at 11:00 AM.
Also, the Live and (sort of) on the Loose! A Look at Venomous Reptiles of the Southwest at 12:15.View this calendar to see when each exhibit is available.
The Volunteers
The museum is run by many volunteers who are referred to as docents. Often retirees of high profile careers, their work is fueled by their love of the Sonoran Desert and of educating people about it.
Watch this video of three volunteers on their work at the Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum.
Click for information on how to become a docent. 
/>The Exhibits
While the landscape itself is beautiful, the museum hosts over 300 different animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants in naturalistic habitats, each as unique and interesting as the next.
Watch this video to see an overview of some of the museums most popular and colorful exhibits:
Written by Samantha Luvisi
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