Page 16 - Gateways_2018_summer_RGB_Neat
P. 16
NEW! Some of these stories are centuries
old. According to popular legend, a
Brookfield Zoo’s new two- spider was responsible for the success
part summer exhibit provides of Robert the Bruce, who was king of
guests with the chance to Scotland in the 1300s. England and
learn more about some of Scotland were at war, and Scotland
the world’s most fascinating was losing. After being beaten by
creatures, both big and small. English forces several times in a row,
Robert the Bruce hid in a cave, where
Close Encounters he observed a spider trying to spin
of the 8-Legged Kind a web. The spider initially failed to
connect its web across the cave, but it
They’re prevalent in our movies, music, did not give up. On one of its many
and books. They’ve played a role in the tries, the spider succeeded, giving
development of certain medicines, and Robert the Bruce the confidence to
the military has looked to them for help try again—and he then went on to
in creating stronger bulletproof vests. defeat the English army.
Without them to control the insect
population, it would be hard to grow Hearing stories such as these
crops, and we could face famine. may provide visitors with a new
appreciation for just how closely
These creatures certainly sound arachnids and humans have been
important. Yet, more often than not, intertwined throughout history.
they end up getting a bad rap.
Guests can also get a feel for what
What are they? Spiders! life is like as an arachnid. They are
The Art & Science of Arachnids, able to weave their own web with a
which is one half of Amazing giant model of an orb-weaver spider
Arachnids, encourages guests to and control a video image of a
think a little differently about these tarantula, coordinating its eight legs
exceptional creatures, along with to help it walk backward and forward
other arachnids such as scorpions. at different speeds. It’s trickier than it
In addition to showcasing 100 live might seem.
arachnids, the exhibit explores the
connections that humans have with And those bulletproof vests
arachnids in film, literature, and music. that spiders are helping to create?
Guests might be familiar with some After learning about the types and
of these connections: Spider-Man’s web properties of spider silk, visitors
shooters and “spidey sense” have become can try on a traditional Kevlar
iconic in today’s pop culture. But people bulletproof vest to see just how
might not realize just how deeply—or for strong spider silk really is.
how long—spiders have been ingrained in
human culture. In addition to influencing Guests can find Amazing
popular superheroes today, spiders have Arachnids’ Art & Science of
long been present in many cultures’ legends, Arachnids exhibit on Brookfield
stories, and traditions. Zoo’s West Mall (located just north
of Tropic World and west of
16 GATEWAYS | THRILLS AND CHILLS Roosevelt Fountain). It is scheduled
to open on May 26.
Thanks to
for sponsoring the Dig Box.
