Hays Post
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History announced today via Facebook it will be ending its rattlesnake exhibit.
It posted the following on Facebook today:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of our amazing rattlesnake exhibit.
As we navigate the future of our museum, the reality of our long-term financial situation,e ven with the incredible success of our fundraiser and the wonderful news that our museum stands a chance of staying open, we must make difficult choices to secure our foundation moving forward.
Additionally, as our rattlesnakes have grown older, their needs have evolved—requiring increasingly specialized attention. Because the well-being of our animals always comes first, we know that the most responsible path forward is to help them find a new home.
Beyond space and financial considerations, maintaining a venomous animal collection carries unique institutional challenges. The inherent liability associated with venomous snake handling, paired with ongoing uncertainty regarding specialized staffing and qualified personnel required to safely manage them, has made it increasingly difficult to sustain this program locally over the long term.
Ensuring the absolute highest standard of safety for both our team and our visitors remains a top priority, making this transition the most responsible path forward.
Please know this decision was not made lightly.
We want to assure our community that all of our snakes are headed to incredible homes where these needs will be fully met: 31 of our 33 rattlesnakes will be moving to the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, an organization widely known for their exceptional care and education programs involving venomous snakes.
The remaining two rattlesnakes will be reunited with our former Collection Manager, Jackson Roberts, at his new institution in Virginia!