Smithsonian animal exhibit rolls into town

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) created Animal Connections, a show that celebrates the human-animal bond.

The custom-built display is housed in an 18-wheeler and will make an appearance Wednesday and Thursday at Tiger Park, across the street from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From the cows that provide the milk for cereal to the deer nibbling on a shrub in the park, from sea lions working with trainers at the zoo to puppies chasing balls in the yard, the connections humans have with animals are vast.

“The affection that people everywhere have for animals sparked our enthusiasm for an exhibit about veterinary medicine that would inspire lively conversations about the human–animal bond,” says Lori Yarrish, acting director of SITES.

Divided into five sections, the exhibition focuses on animals in the home, on the farm, at the zoo, in the wild and at the veterinary clinic.

“Of the more than 74 million American households that include pets, nearly two-thirds consider their pets family members,” says AVMA President Clark Fobian, DVM.

The home section focuses on how to select the right pet and possible dangers to pets, such as household items like plants, holiday decorations and even table food.

Videos showcase that even suburban areas have a great diversity of wildlife—from the squirrels trying to break into a birdfeeder to a bear lounging in a hammock.

A display in the farm section highlights the mobile clinics that large-animal veterinarians stock with a variety of tools—from dental speculums to cow magnets—to ensure they are prepared for any procedure.

The exhibition also explores the shared responsibility for animals’ health and well-being as well as highlights the varied roles veterinarians play in the health of animals.

A virtual clinic at the center of the exhibition provides visitors the opportunity to play veterinarian.
Through touch screens, they can examine and diagnose what ails virtual patients—a dog, a piglet and a cheetah.

“This exhibition will not only help inspire the next generation of veterinarians, but also improve current animal care through a better understanding of the role animals and veterinarians play in our lives,” says Michael Cathey, executive director of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

Visitors can continue the learning experience online at animalconnections.com. The site includes resources on animal care and careers in veterinary medicine.

If you’d like to increase the animal-to-human ratio in your home, Companion Animal Alliance has many adoptable animals available including:

Hazel (#44123) is about eight-weeks old. She is one of a litter of 10 lab puppies that were surrendered to the shelter.

Monty’s (foster care) soft voice and loving personality will immediately win you over. Because of the characteristic nose outline and kitten-like personality, Monty is probably a Burmilla cat mix. Monty’s favorite pastimes include playing tag with the dog, grooming the other cats and lying in the crook of his human’s arm while sitting on the couch watching TV. This guy is the most easy-going cat you will ever meet. For many reasons, Monty is the type of cat that you cannot help but love—and, he loves everybody. At just under a year old, Monty would fit into just about any home. He is independent enough to be an only cat. At the same time, he is also so affectionate and sociable that he would adapt to a busier house full of kids and other animals.

Flicker (#43305) is a young male border collie.

Divo (foster care) is a very energetic and playful little guy. When he was two weeks old, Divo was found alone in a driveway. Growing up as the only kitten, Divo thinks he is the center of the universe—a male diva. This guy is a major rough-houser and is currently learning manners. Divo would be best in a mature home that can continue teaching him the household rules. He would love a sibling kitty who will wrestle and play with him. This bold, energetic guy likes to hang out with his people. He talks and coos a lot and has a very loud purr. He likes to cuddle and sleep on people, so he does have a very sweet side. But, like many teenage boys, he often has to wear himself out first before he shows it. He would be great for a home that is looking for a fun loving kitty who loves to play.

Rio (#43518) is a young male black mouth cur/hound mix.

Mystic (Petsmart) is a young female brown tabby.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance. For more information, click here.