Adapting for Survival

The Museum of the Rockies has been a cherished part of the Bozeman community since its founding in 1957. The museum provides resources and exhibits that educate and inform the public on a wide variety of topics such as reptiles, astronomy and ancient history. Now, in 2020, the museum is facing new obstacles and challenges. Despite difficulties, the staff is still committed to its mission of sharing exciting and engaging content with the public. In the midst of a pandemic and changing operations, the museum is presenting one of their most exciting exhibitions to date.

“Reptiles: The Beautiful and the Deadly” showcases live reptiles from all across the globe. The exhibit contains 19 creatures in total that are sure to capture the public’s attention. This comes as part of the “changing exhibit” program that represents the museum’s mission. “We share Montana with the world, and we bring the world to Montana,” said Alicia Harvey, the museum’s Director of Marketing. Right now, visitors have an opportunity to witness firsthand the wonders of the reptile species. There is a wide variety on display, including snakes, turtles, lizards and crocodiles all sitting behind glass panels. For example, there’s the massive alligator snapping turtle which can weigh up to 200 pounds, the Gaboon viper whose spade-shaped head contains the longest fangs of any snake and the reticulated python that can grow to be over 25 feet long, making it the world’s longest snake. Reptiles are some of the most specialized creatures alive. They develop a wide range of adaptations such as fangs, venom, shells, adhesive limbs and camouflage to help them survive in their environments. 

Like its reptilian guests, the museum has also had to learn how to adapt in order to survive. The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on countless businesses around the world, and the Museum of the Rockies is no exception. “We started the beginning of the year with the best first quarter we had ever seen in revenue and visitation,” Harvey said. Suddenly faced with an unexpected shutdown, the museum had to quickly make changes to their business model. Harvey described the current situation as “an interesting challenge and opportunity.” 

New rules had to be put in place. Masks are now required by visitors, hand sanitizing stations have been set up throughout the museum, visitors are asked to purchase their tickets in advance and admittance caps are being enforced. Phase Two guidelines currently in place in Montana dictate that businesses must operate at 75% capacity, meaning that the museum has a daily attendance limit of 600, granted every exhibit and facility is open. These changes allowed the museum to reopen early and ensured the safety of its visitors. 

One positive aspect of the COVID-19 guidelines was the museum’s ability to switch their lectures, lessons and events to an online format. “On our website, we have about a hundred online learning resources from videos to puzzles to games for adults to tots,” Harvey said. “We always wanted to have these digital assets but never had the time.” Employees working from home due to the lockdown spent their time creating the video resources. 

Even with the new pandemic restrictions, a visit to the museum is as wonderful and informative as it has ever been. Make sure to check out “Reptiles: The Beautiful and The Deadly” before it leaves on Sept. 13. To purchase tickets with a reservation, visit sales.museumoftherockies.org/generaladmission.aspx. If a visit to the museum isn’t in the cards, check out their website at museumoftherockies.org to enjoy the valuable online resources they provide.