Exploring an endangered species

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/05/2017 (3138 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Strap on a virtual reality headset and see the boreal forest from a caribou’s point-of-view.

This is one of the interactive features in the Panache: Caribous and other Cervidae exhibition on display at Portage la Prairie’s Fort la Reine Museum until Sept. 5.

Museum executive director and curator Tracey Turner said it’s a coup for the museum to display the exhibit that features information on caribou, moose, elk (or wapiti) and deer — animals that live in Canada’s boreal forest and northern territories. The travelling exhibition was created by Quebec’s Musée Du Fjord.

“We’re really excited about having it,” she said. “This is premiering in Manitoba. It’s a state-of-the art, interactive exhibition.”

The exhibit is contained within the museum’s main building, and includes examples of cervidae which are defined as any member of the deer family in which the male, or both sexes, bear antlers. Visitors will gain information on their habitat, anatomy, feeding habits, how they are hunted, their role in Aboriginal culture and see a display of their antlers. A video shows the animals’ movements as they feed and move through the forest and features audio recording of their noises.

Turner believes that visitors will gain an appreciation for caribou that are now listed as a species at risk in Manitoba.

“This is really important and poignant for us to be hosting,” she said.

The exhibit’s science content is geared toward various ages, and Turner said the museum is booking school tours until the end of June.

The Fort la Reine Museum is part of the Cultural Access Pass program designed to encourage new Canadian citizens to learn about Canadian culture. They are able to tour the museum at no cost.

Turner said the museum, which is located close to the Trans-Canada Highway at 2652 Saskatchewan Ave. E, often attracts European tourists. She believes they will be very interested in the Panache exhibition.

“It inspires a bit of awe in you.”

The museum is also offering Fighting in Flanders, an exhibition from the Canadian War Museum depicting the experience and challenges of Canadian soldiers who served in Belgium during the First World War.

International travelling exhibit, Anne Frank – A History for Today will also be shown from June 5 to Sept. 3.

For more information on Fort la Reine Museum, see www.fortlareinemuseum.com

Facebook.com/TheHeadlinerWPG
Twitter: @CanstarHeadline