National Zoo’s Invertebrate Exhibit Closing Sun 6-22-14

[Cristy Keister]

The Smithsonian National Zoo’s Invertebrate Exhibit, home to dozens of small aquatic and terrestrial species without backbones, will close to the public Sunday, June 22. The last day to visit the Invertebrate Exhibit is Saturday, June 21. This difficult decision is not a reflection of the importance of invertebrates or how we feel about them. Invertebrates make up about 99 percent of all known living species and quietly play vital roles in Earth’s ecosystems. This was a necessary decision for the financial and operational health of the National Zoo. Closing the Invertebrate Exhibit permits the Zoo to reallocate funding, staff and resources to areas of the Zoo that need attention. With overall costs escalating, the Zoo must adapt its activities and programs to live within its existing budget while continuing excellent animal care and planning for the future. The long-term vision for the Zoo includes a future Hall of Biodiversity which will include some invertebrate species. Per Smithsonian protocol, most of the animals will be de-accessioned through formal processes to new homes. Some will be moved to other Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities, some might be moved to another location in the Zoo, those with short life spans will likely live out their lives in the exhibit. The invertebrate team will work hard to place the animals in the best homes possible. Learn more: http://ow.ly/y5hNx

[krisw]

I heard about this on the radio. I'm glad that GWAPA was able to get the tours that we did over the past few years before it's gone.