Many of us have experienced the scientific wonder that is Body Worlds. That same company has returned to Science World with a new exhibit called Animal Inside Out. Using the same plastination process as Body Worlds, animals of various shapes and sizes are on display like you’ve never seen them before. It is important to note that none of the animals were killed or harmed for the purposes of Animal Inside Out.

Biology has always held a special fascination for me. I love learning about the mystery that is hidden within our bodies, the astounding number and complexity of the systems which work together to keep us (and all animals) alive. Animal Inside Out gives Science World visitors a peak into the inner workings of animals’ bodies. With more than 100 specimens on display you will want to allocate a good chunk of time to fully absorb all of the information available.

I will admit to being a bit leery about bringing my 4 & 6 year olds to Animal Inside Out. My kids tend to the sensitive side of life and can spook easily. I needn’t have feared; they found Animal Inside Out as fascinating as I did. The layout of the exhibit is incredibly well done. Science World has completely eliminated the shock-factor and has presented everything in a scientific and clinical manner. Your visit starts with a big screen movie showing animals in the wild. From there you move onto animals from the ocean such as a giant squid, octopus and shark.

Animals Inside Out at Science WorldThe middle portion of the exhibit is what I found the most fascinating. A bull, goat, caribou and giraffe are shown with their muscle-structure intact. We all know the saying “stubborn as a bull” but upon seeing the muscle mass of the animal that phrase had a whole new meaning. Without a doubt the giraffe was my favourite. Did you know that the giraffe’s neck has the same number of vertebrae as human necks? Yes, just seven bones like us. The giraffe’s heart is also a scientific wonder. It pumps about 60 litres of blood in a minute! In order for the blood to make the lengthy vertical trip to the giraffe’s brain, its body has developed a complicated system of reinforced artery walls, and bypass and anti-pooling valves to offset the very high blood pressure. This complex network prevents high-pressure blood from rushing into the giraffe’s brain when it bends down to take a drink of water. This is why I love Science World, they are experts at making science fascinating and exciting.

Animals Inside Out at Science WorldScience World has incorporated a hands-on activity centre for kids inside the Body World’s display. In the back corner of the gallery, kids can touch various parts of animals. From categorizing furs to analyzing teeth and jaws, the little ones get to satisfy their desire to touch everything and have fun learning. At various times throughout the day Science World volunteers will bring out organs which have been through the plastination process. If interested, guests are invited to handle these display items.

Science World’s Animal Inside Out exhibit opened October 3rd and it runs until March 28th. There is so much to see and read that I know we will be returning for multiple visits. As Body Worlds’ Animal Inside Out is a special exhibit there is an additional cost to explore the gallery. This extra cost applies to both general admission as well as annual pass holders.

Science World’s Animal Inside Out:

When: October 3, 2015 – March 28, 2016
Time: 10am – 5pm
Where: Science World at Telus World of Science
Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Websitewww.scienceworld.ca/animal