Collections & Conservation

exhibit detail: black-footed ferret on left, in a clear bubble with an information wheel on the right

Museum specimens are critical to solving problems that impact our lives. This new exhibit explores the relationships between endangered black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs. It also highlights how collections-based research can support conservation and track disease. 

This exhibit was made possible through funding from the National Science Foundation, grant number 2100955, and by contributions by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center. Learn more about the grant. 

The exhibit is on the museum's 5th floor gallery. 

About the Exhibit

  • 5th Floor

exhibit detail showing animal burrow cross section below and taxidermied animals on top
Exhibit detail of prairie dog looking out of hole, with an owl in the background
exhibit view with drawer of items on left, spinnable wheel in center and burrow on right.