The Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Today for our excellent adventure we went to a local place I had never been to before. Heather and Maryann had both recently visited the Lindsay Wildlife Museum (http://www.wildlife-museum.org/) is located in Walnut Creek and each had given it rave reviews. It seemed like the perfect morning activity. They have several exhibits of animals that have been put on display courtesy of the art of taxidermy. What is really cool is that they feature many live creatures including an impressive array of carnivorous birds (ravens, owls, hawks and a bald eagle). The live animals are ones that have been injured and cannot return to the wild. There is an on site animal hospital there where they accept animals that people find locally. The goal is to rehabilitate them so that they can be returned to their natural habitats.

My favorite creature on display was a possum. I have seen many of them on the road before but never one up close. They really are kinda cute ... at least this little fellow was. He had all four of his feet wrapped in little bandages because they are dry and cracked.

I also loved the Great Horned Owl. It was absolutely beautiful and I had no idea how big they truly are. It was neat to see a live one up close. He was roosting near the barn owl and it was interesting to see the difference in their sizes.

Also on display is a live bobcat. We were at the museum during feeding time so we got to watch this process with the bobcat. They hide dead mice in boxes filled with torn newspaper that are hanging around his enclosure. The cat bats the boxes around and throws the paper all over looking for the mice.

Another interesting animal (don't laugh) was the squirrel. Now we have tons of squirrels around our property and they are pests. We actually refer to them as the "furry tail rats" but this guy was really pretty. He was pretty big and was busy running around his display tearing up newspaper and making a nest. We watched him for a long time.

When Maryann took Rebecca they got to pet a snake. We discussed this on the drive over and both agreed that we might pet a snake if we had the chance. Well, no snakes today. Instead they brought out Roxy the Rat. Instruction was given on how small animals should be petted (two fingers gently on the side, away from the mouth). Ter Bear did it ... not me!

They also have a variety of insects and reptiles on display and the place is full of interesting and interactive activities.

Maryann had suggested packing a lunch and planning a picnic at the park that the Museum is located in. I packed a great lunch for us and then drove off and left it sitting on the dining room table. So after playing in the park for a half hour we drove to the closest McDonald's and had lunch.

I'm not sure why I have never visited the Lindsay before but I think we will definitely be going back.