Bishop Museum’s newest original exhibit takes visitors soaring through the science and cultural significance of native bird species found nowhere else on Earth in Lele O Na Manu: Hawaiian Forest Birds, on display March 19 through July 31 at the
Bishop Museum’s newest original exhibit takes visitors soaring through the science and cultural significance of native bird species found nowhere else on Earth in Lele O Na Manu: Hawaiian Forest Birds, on display March 19 through July 31 at the Honolulu-based museum.
“The goal of this exhibit is to educate people about the tremendous cultural and natural resource of these unique creatures and to instill a call to action to help save the remaining species before they are lost forever,” said Blair Collis, president and CEO of Bishop Museum.
The J.M. Long gallery in Hawaiian Hall will be transformed with a vibrant array of displays brought to life with the world-premiere of a taxidermy collection of Hawaiian forest birds. Many of the species showcased are extinct, offering a rare opportunity for the public to see these birds and reflect on their cultural significance. Interactive features will further illuminate the stories of these treasured creatures.
Before Polynesians arrived in Hawaii, the islands were home to more than 110 species of birds found nowhere else on Earth. Today, that number has dwindled to an alarmingly low 48 species.
For the exhibit, Bishop Museum collaborated with multiple organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego Zoo, Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Lyon Arboretum and Jack Jeffrey of Jack Jeffrey Photography. ■
