Africa

There are four large, open air dioramas depicting the following topics.

The African exhibits are located on the Museum's third floor, east wing.

The Savanna Bush:
The open park-like savannas are areas of grassland with scattered spreading acacia and baobab trees. Slightly higher rainfall in the adjacent hill country permits more trees to grow. Savannas are inhabited by browsing animals such as the prehensile-lipped black rhinoceros, impala and kudu.


The Savanna Water Hole:
Rivers and water holes are congregating points for a wide variety of savanna wildlife, particularly during the dry seasons of spring and summer. In September, with the returning rains, the huge herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra disperse again into the plains.


The Masai Lion Hunt:
The lion, potential enemy of all herdsmen, preys on the cattle of the Masai. Protected only by their thick shields made of antelope or zebra skins, the Masai warriors kill lions with long spears and short defensive swords. Much prestige attends the successful hunter, especially the one who throws the first spear.


The Salt Lick in the Bamboo Forest:
Abundant rainfall in the mountains encourages rain forest growth on lower slopes while at higher elevations nearly pure stands of bamboo thrive. The salt lick has attracted the elephant, the bongo and other small animals to this spot.