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Abstract GOOD SCIENCE NEEDS GREAT STORY TELLERS Alan M. Peters The Invertebrate Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park is entering its 20th year of telling research, natural history, and conservation stories in a very personal one on one manner. From the bottom of the ocean to the pores of the soil in your backyard, invertebrates are everywhere. Since May 7, 1987 the Exhibit has had a distinct reputation. Each visitor has the unique opportunity to be intrigued by rarely seen marine and terrestrial animals. Many of the collection’s species are being actively studied in zoos and in the field. Interpretive volunteers and animal staff create the opportunity for each and every visitor to share in the passion of the staff and volunteers, ask questions, and receive Smithsonian science stories. Are invertebrates cute? For some people maybe, but most of these animals have the lure and fascination of oddity, grossness, superstition and unfamiliarity. The Invertebrate Exhibit and Pollinarium endeavor to inspire awe, fascination, appreciation, understanding and conservation of the beauty, gracefulness, and biological complexity among the incredibly diverse species of invertebrates and pollinators and their habitats. It is often a work that focuses on the changing of people’s perspective and attitudes. The end result is a more informed citizen making wiser decisions regarding our delicate natural world. Such a result starts with good science and an inviting, inspiring, and stimulating atmosphere with friendly and well informed story tellers.
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