The Scoop on Poop Arrives at Miami Metrozoo on October 13th To Make Its Florida Debut; This Traveling Exhibition, the Largest of Its Kind, Treats the Subject with a Tactful Blend of Good Science and Fun.

MIAMI -- The Scoop on Poop, a 5,000 square-foot traveling exhibition on what poop is and how animals and humans use it, opens for the first time in Florida at Miami Metrozoo's Dr. Wilde's World on October 13th. The exhibition, based on the popular book with the same name by Dr. Wayne Lynch, treats the subject with a tactful blend of facts and fun with large colorful graphic panels, three dimensional models and interactive components. As the largest exhibition ever mounted on the science of what animals leave behind, it will open to the public everyday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Fish do it, frogs do it, pythons, birds and elephants do it, yet poop is one of those subjects people find difficult to talk about with a straight face. Kids, however, are positively fascinated by it, and poop is actually an interesting topic. Animals use poop to build homes, hide from enemies, attract mates, send messages, and cool off - some even eat it. Veterinarians, farmers, naturalists, paleontologists, Maasai tribesmen and power companies also use it. Poop is a scientific puzzle, that with a little detective work, can lead to important information about an animal.

"Kids and adults alike will learn a great deal and definitely get a good laugh from The Scoop on Poop exhibit. This subject can sometimes be a little 'stinky' to discuss, but the creators of this exhibit have done it very well," said Elisabeth Koncza, Zoological Society of Florida Deputy and Education Director.

The Scoop on Poop, which made its world premier in the Virginia Living Museum in late May of this year, invites visitors to listen in on an animal's digestive system, learn the language of poop in countries around the world, examine fecal samples in a veterinarian's lab, compete in dung beetle races, track wild animals by clues left in scat, see how long it takes an elephant to poop their body weight, improve their "number 2" IQ in stool school, and meet a dinosaur dung detective.

"We think kids will be excited to see this exhibit. They're curious over subjects that are a little gross and not regularly discussed," said Cristina Heredia, Miami Metrozoo Exhibits Manager.

The Scoop on Poop was created by the exhibits department of Clyde Peeling's Reptiland in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, a zoological institution accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association like Miami Metrozoo. Design and construction of the exhibition took over three years. Once the exhibit closes at Miami Metrozoo on January 10, 2007, its next stop will be the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

In addition to the exhibit, school groups will have the opportunity to register for a special interpretive program called "Who Dung It?" The course, both educational and fun, will teach children what they can learn about an animal from what they leave behind as well as teach them to identify the type of animal that left it. In addition, daily close encounter programs will showcase real scat displays from common animals.

NOTE: Photos Available upon Request

Miami Metrozoo is located at 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $11.50 per Adult, $6.75 per Child (3-12), $10.50 per Senior (65 and older). Children under two, ZSF members and parking are free. Metrozoo's hours are 9:30 am - 5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm. Dr. Wilde's World's hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information, please call 305-255-5551 or visit http://www.miamimetrozoo.com.