News
What's new at the EcoTarium, Central Massachusetts' unique museum of science & nature? You'll find the latest on EcoTarium news and
events here. You can also check out our calendar.
Members of the news media: For more information about the EcoTarium and upcoming offerings, or to arrange an interview with a member of the staff, please e-mail Sarah Hesshaus shesshaus@ecotarium.org or call (508) 929-2738.
Electronic images are available upon request.
Current News
Polar Bears to be Protected Under the Endangered Species Act
The EcoTarium has a special interest and concern in the plight of polar bears world wide given that one of our most beloved wildlife inhabitants is Kenda, Massachusetts' only polar bear. The EcoTarium has cared for polar bears since the early 1970s when Polar Bear Plaza was built as a state-of-the-art habitat and housed two adult bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Kenda was born here in 1983 and this December will mark her 25th birthday. In Kenda's honor, we are pleased to provide our guests with some information on the status of the species as well as provide links to more in-depth information.
On May 14, 2008 the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that polar bears are to be accorded "threatened species" status under the Endangered Species Act. The decision is based on data gathered over the previous year by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, showing a trend in decreasing ice cover in the Arctic where polar bears live. Ice is a primary habitat for polar bears without which they cannot survive. According to USGS research "Projected changes in future sea ice conditions, if realized, will result in loss of approximately two-thirds of the world's current polar bear population by the mid 21st Century." However, the Department of Interior also notes that based on actual observations over the past three decades, trends in sea ice decline may be underestimated.
For more information, the following links are suggested:
EcoTarium polar bear web page www.doi.gov/news/08_News_Releases/080514a.html (US Department of the Interior) www.nationalgeographic.com (National Geographic) http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/polarbearcam/video_highlights.html (National Geographic Polar Bear cam) www.usgs.gov (US Geological Survey)
Press releases
Events
- Girls Explore Careers at Annual "Women in Science" Conference (February 13, 2008)
- Cosmic Collisions--Spectacular New Space Show--Opens February 16, 2008 in the Alden Digital Planetarium at the EcoTarium (January 9, 2008)
- Next Stop: The North Pole! Climb aboard for a visit with Kenda the polar bear in this winter favorite (November 27, 2007)
- The Return of the Great Pumpkins! All Day Festival of Halloween Fun for the Whole Family (September 25, 2007)
Exhibits
- The Zula Patrol Exhibit and Dome Show (June 2008)
- DinoTracks (November 23, 2007)
- Attack of the Bloodsuckers! (November 2006)
Announcements
- Siegfried: A Book About Worcester's Own Dinosaur (June 2008)
- Rhode Island Boy Wins EcoTarium's Be An Astronaut Contest (February 19, 2008)
- EcoTarium Sells Four Acres of Land to Seven Hills Foundation (December 21, 2007)
- EcoTarium announces Stephen Pitcher as interim director (January 2005)
EcoTarium Background
- All about EcoTarium
- EcoTarium develops naturalized meadow habitat
- EcoTarium's Tree Canopy Walkway gives visitors a bird's eye view of the forest
- EcoTarium celebrates a distinguished history
Photos e-mailed and mailed upon request.