January Family Fun Day

Free Family Fun Day Showcases Nocturnal Animals ‘In The Dark’

The Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame presents a free Family Fun Day, Saturday, January 27, from 10:00am until 3:00pm.  The event is in conjunction with its new exhibition, “In the Dark”, an interactive exhibit about the ecosystems of the night, below the ground, inside caverns, and deep in the sea. 

Dr. Ivana Mali, professor, wildlife biologist, and director of the Gennaro Natural History Exhibit at ENMU, will be the featured speaker at 11:00am and 1:00pm.  She is a herpetologist whose work includes nocturnal animals such as toads and frogs. She will talk about the life of night-time creatures and their environment, and bring both living animals and specimens (not living). Her degrees include a masters in wildlife ecology, and a doctorate in aquatic resources, both from Texas State University.

“Dr. Mali is a highly respected expert in wildlife environments, especially as it relates to small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians,” said Mary Lyle, director of education at the museum. “She is an excellent source for understanding creatures of the night and the environment in which they live.”

A native of Serbia, Dr. Mali arrived in the United States on an athletic scholarship, knowing she wanted to be a wildlife biologist. “In wildlife biology, you cannot learn everything in the classroom. You have to go outside and get dirty. Showing my students how to trap and handle animals, and how to conduct fieldwork with a purpose, I find most rewarding.”

Other activities for Family Fun Day includes arts and crafts for the children and exhibit tours of “In The Dark”. At 2:00pm, the movie “The Goonies” will be the featured film, the 1985 adventure comedy about a band of kids who find a treasure map.  All activities, exhibitions and the movie are free.