NEWPORT NEWS — The Virginia Living Museum (VLM) announced the grand opening of its brand new Wild Care Center, designed to expand the guest experience and advance the museum’s mission to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature a transparent Veterinary Hospital and Nutrition Center that will give unprecedented access to observe and engage with the highest standards of veterinary medicine and nutrition for over 200 native species.
Opening on Nov. 17 as part of the Virginia Living Museum’s 58th birthday celebration, the new Center represents a significant advancement in public wildlife education, it said.
The facility’s design allows guests to see and engage directly with science professionals and observe real-time veterinary and nutritional care practices and procedures on a daily basis. The new center will offer live demonstrations of veterinary procedures, interactive educational programs, behind-the-scenes views of nutrition and diet preparation, and daily opportunities to interact with museum experts.
“This facility embodies our commitment to natural science education through wildlife care” said Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director of the Virginia Living Museum. “The Wild Care Center is a living classroom for families to experience and engage with professionals working in life and environmental sciences. For learners of all ages, the ability to see what you can be is inspiring and even transformational — and really fun! We are so grateful to our supporters who share our vision of creating unique experiences as the pathway for career decisions and community growth.”
The grand opening celebration on Nov. 17 will feature a full day of activities, demonstrations, discussions, and encounters for visitors of all ages. Staff and volunteers will conduct special timed talks and demonstrations throughout the day.
The Virginia Living Museum said the Wild Care Center stands as a testament to its daily invitation to learn and participate in the vital work of caring and conserving Virginia’s natural resources and native species.
The Virginia Living Museum features native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets in their natural ecosystems, connecting people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation. The museum is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections) and is a certified Virginia Green attraction dedicated to environmentally friendly practices and education.
Learn more about the museum and grand opening events at thevlm.org.
