Toledo Zoo: ProMedica Museum of Natural History – Nature in Hand Exhibit

The first floor of the museum begins with prehistoric Ohio, then becomes a walking tour of the various habitats found along Lake Erie following the Ice Age.

Exhibits:

• Ohio: After the Ice – Walk back in history through wild Ohio to when American Lions, Mastodons and other giants roamed the land.
• Tropics – Discover a two-story tropical oasis, complete with 30+ foot tall trees, bushes, orchids and much more.
• Wetlands & Lakes – Take an interactive nature walk through the variety of ecosystems that surround the Great Lakes.
• Oak Forest – See life from an ant’s perspective on the forest floor in this 24x larger than reality exhibit.
• Rivers & Streams – Explore our local waterways as you flip rocks and happen upon live animals that live in our own backyard.
• Native Prairies – Enjoy all the beneficial and beautiful native prairie plants and wildlife this living laboratory has to offer.

The second floor ties Ohio to species and habitats around the globe through venom and arthropods. This floor is also home to Nature in Hand, a hands-on library of bones, pelts and taxidermy along with The Mazza Gallery, featuring animal, zoo and nature-themed children’s book illustrations.

Exhibits:

• Komodo Dragon – See the world’s largest and heaviest lizards and learn about their recently discovered potent venom!
• Nature in Hand – Study a unique collection of fossils, pelts, bones and more interactive artifacts that bring science to life in this room generously supported by Dorothy MacKenzie Price.
• Venomous Snakes – Venture into the world of venomous snakes from around the globe.
• Hall of Venom – Explore how venom evolved as a defense mechanism and method to capture prey in many different animals and how its range of effects are experienced by victims.
• Arthropods – Learn all about the largest group in the animal kingdom, invertebrates or animals lacking a backbone!
• Mazza Gallery – Delve into nature, animal and Zoo-themed art from children’s books in this new mini museum. Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow, Beth Krommes, HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006