Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Education-lindsay's education department, working with the animal encounters department (in charge of the living collection) creates wildlife and environmental programs that are inquiry-based, hands-on, multi-sensory, and uniquely intimate. Opportunities exist for guests of all ages, educational levels, and abilities. By focusing on the diversity of guests' interests, lindsay promotes biological sciences, critical thinking, and conservation for thousands of lifelong learners. Descriptions of select educational programs and features are provided below:exhibit hall and daily programs-the major features enjoyed by nearly 60,000 museum guests annually include: twelve indoor exhibit spaces, two outdoor program areas, eleven daily educational programs, and more than 70 animal ambassadors on public display. The programs are dynamic, engaging, guest centered, and mission driven while the animal ambassadors are out and connecting with guests.lindsay in the classroom-lindsay programs delivered at schools, known as "lindsay in the classroom", are designed for 30 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, last one hour, and always include the presence of animal ambassadors. The five classroom programs are: pond protectors, wild homes, learning from wildlife, have to have a habitat, and ecosystem energy flow. Many of the animals are touchable with the exception of salamanders, turtles and bats. Each "lindsay in the classroom" program utilizes grade-specific next generation science standards (ngss) that satisfy specific learning objectives. During the year-ended june 30, 2024, lindsay hosted 112 "lindsay in the classrooms" to 3,345 students.classes-homeschool, preschool and workshops-during the year-ended june 30, 2024, lindsay provided in-person classes. Instructors delivered 3 homeschool semesters (26 classes) to 80 students, 10 weeks of educational camp programing to 200 students, 27 preschool classes to 84 students, and 15 workshops to 1,026 students. Outstanding wildlife leaders (owls) and keepers in training (kits)-the two youth development programs of the education department. The owls program invites approximately 55 participants between the ages of 13 and 18 to develop skills in wildlife education, basic animal husbandry tasks, and teamwork. As individuals leave the program, mostly through graduation or "aging out," new recruits are welcomed into the year-round schedule. Lindsay benefits from the energy and enthusiasm of the owls, and the youths receive knowledge and skills useful in science, education, and citizenship. The approximately 50 owls are a steady presence at lindsay through 2.5 hour-long shifts six days per week. Kits is a similar program, but the focus is exclusively animal husbandry. Kits complete animal care shifts on mondays. A limited number of scholarships are available to prospective naturalists.special programs-special programs include hikes at mt. Diablo and in east bay regional parks; tiny tuesdays; mt. View sanitary district classroom and wetlands programs; scout programs, v.i. Peek encounters; wild@night evening events, natural history rentals, and lindsay in the community events. School field trips-based on the next generation science standards (ngss) for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade adopted in 1978, lindsay provides regional schools with multi-sensory, observation, and critical thinking-based programs that help equip young minds to consider future science and conservation careers. Field trips include four interactive stations, two animal ambassadors, and natural history specimens. During the year-ended june 30, 2024, lindsay hosted 172 onsite field trips to 7,110 students.

Animal encounters-lindsay's collection of animal ambassadors comprises about 70 individuals, including individuals that have been too seriously injured to be released back into natural habitats or those that have become too habituated to humans that their ability to survive in the wild has been compromised. The medical care and husbandry of lindsay's animal ambassadors is regulated by the u.s. Department of agriculture, u.s. Fish and wildlife service, and the california department of fish and wildlife. Lindsay is committed to providing medical care, housing, and behavioral enrichment for these animals for the rest of their lives. Lindsay is especially well known for its collection of raptors and various other birds and provides up close and personal experiences with small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.the animal ambassadors live in specially constructed artificial habitats, as well as in aviaries, terraria, and aquaria. Some of them are on permanent display in the exhibit hall, while all of them participate in educational activities delivered to the public by staff and trained volunteers. Education programs with animal ambassadors take place every day indoors and outdoors. The key messaging of these exhibit and education programs is the protection of unique and diverse ecosystems in california, which are home to several unique animals with interesting adaptations and key roles in the maintenance of biological diversity and ecosystem function. Lindsay's collection includes state and federally endangered listed species.

Museum operations, guest services, and marketing and communicationsmuseum operations-lindsay is home to a natural history collection of over 7,000 specimens consisting of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, fossils, geology, fungi, art, and artifacts. These collections serve our over 60,000 visitors each year through engaging exhibitions, daily programs, and exhibit floor interpretation. Additionally, these specimens are utilized in all our education programs, including onsite field trip programs, offsite classroom outreaches, offsite community outreaches, scout programs, homeschool programs, preschool programs, camps, and special events. Roughly 50 researchers and local educators utilize the collection each year through the museum's discovery kit specimen rental program.guest services-guest services, or "guest experience," manages the admissions process for visitors to lindsay's exhibits and programs, as well as the gift shop, memberships, and visitor experiences. They coordinate with all departments for the smooth running of on-site programs, events, and activities, manage store inventories and purchases.marketing and communications-the marketing and communications department is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing plans across all departments, focusing on increasing brand awareness, promoting the organization's mission, attracting customers, and driving sales. This includes creating impactful advertising campaigns, managing all social media platforms, and handling public relations. The team generates creative content for various platforms, such as print materials, e-newsletters, the website (www.lindsaywildlife.org), third party advertising placements, social media, and targeted emails. The team actively monitors market trends, conducts research, and analyzes customer feedback to inform and adjust strategies.additionally, the department leads in strategizing, planning, and coordinating public-facing events, including fundraisers, community events, and all onsite event rentals. Ultimately, their role is to build a positive brand image, drive engagement, and contribute significantly to the organization's success.