Newport News, VA – November 11, 2024 – The Virginia Living Museum is excited to announce the grand opening of its brand new Wild Care Center, greatly expanding the guest experience and advancing the museum’s mission to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
The state-of-the-art facility is made possible by generous individuals and organizations who believe in the power of education for our community and environment. Featuring a transparent Veterinary Hospital and Nutrition Center, the building will give unprecedented access to observe and engage with the highest standards of veterinary medicine and nutrition for over 200 native species.
Opening on November 17 as part of the Virginia Living Museum’s 58th birthday celebration, the new Center represents a significant advancement in public wildlife education. The facility’s innovative 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 will feature a full day of engaging activities, demonstrations, discussions, and encounters for visitors of all ages. Staff and volunteers will conduct special timed talks and demonstrations throughout the day:
10:00 – 10:30 Animal Diet Demonstration (Nutrition Center)
10:30 – 11:00 Ambassador Animal Talk (Skunk Exhibit)
11:00 – 11:30 Veterinary Care Talk
11:30 – 12:00 Ambassador Mammal Encounter
1:00 – 1:30 Ambassador Animal Talk (Opossum Exhibit)
1:30 – 2:00 Veterinary Care Talk
2:00 – 2:30 Animal Diet Demonstration (Nutrition Center)
2:30 – 3:00 Ambassador Mammal Encounter
Additionally, all day activities (11:00am – 3:00pm) included with admission are:
Animal Enrichment Building Station
Be the Keeper: Activities to learn how we engage animals with enrichment and training
Birthday Crown Make and Take
The Wild Care Center stands as a testament to the Virginia Living Museum’s daily invitation to learn and participate in the vital work of caring and conserving Virginia’s natural resources and native species.
Join us on November 17 to be part of this exciting new chapter in the Museum’s history and experience firsthand how science and education come together to Protect what’s Precious.
The Virginia Living Museum is a leader in natural living exhibits! Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented in natural ecosystems and honored for their ability to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections), the Museum’s high standards are its hallmark, as only fourteen institutions share this designation in the country. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 5:1 for incredible mission delivery. The Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction dedicated to environmentally friendly practices and education.
Created by the Warwick Rotary Club and Junior League of Hampton Roads in 1966, the Museum is an independent 501c3 organization, a successful public/private partnership with the City of Newport News and all guests. The Virginia Living Museum is built by the community, beloved by the community, sustained by the community.
Located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A), hours are 9am to 5pm daily. Learn more at thevlm.org, Facebook, Instagram, or call 757-595-1900.
