Biodiversity, here are 82 new specimens
Large specimens of wild animals in the new Hall of the University’s Natural History Museum
Amanda Fincatti
Kicks. 82 new specimens of wild animals in taxidermy make up the new “Biodiversity Room”, inaugurated yesterday at the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa, in Calci. To discover the fauna of the five continents, visitors will pass the various visit environments set up along an illuminated oval walkway and observe, at close range, large animals such as the giraffe, the African and Asian elephant, the American black bear and the kangaroo giant. The mayor of Calci intervened at the inauguration, Massimiliano Ghimenti, the director of the Museum, Damiano Marchi, the former directors Roberto Barbuti And Elena Bonaccorsi, the president of the National Association of Scientific Museums, Fausto Barbagli and the contact person of the Zoology of Vertebrates Section, Simone Farina.
“I believe this place of culture is an important reference point for the whole territory, capable of conveying messages and transmitting fundamental themes, such as that of biodiversity and sustainable development. The work of all the staff and managers who have placed the Natural History Museum of Calci among the most important in Italy and in Europe is extraordinary, ”said Mayor Ghimenti. Many of the specimens on display belonged to the collection of the Giorgio Barbero Naturalistic Museum Foundation, one of the most important in Italy, which donated the entire collection to the Museum of Calci in 2017. The exhibition, on three levels of detail, is equipped with maps and captions that present the spaces and information of the animals on display. By scanning the QR code, it is also possible to access a web page containing a list of all specimens, filed with a common and scientific name, as well as the current state of conservation and at risk of extinction. “We care a lot about this aspect – observes the referent of the Zoology of Vertebrates Section, Simone Farina -, acting and promoting concrete actions for the protection of biodiversity is a topic that concerns everyone, all over the world”.
Furthermore, on the occasion of the inauguration, the participation of the Natural Museum of the Certosa di Calci was announced within the research project “Integrated Museums”, which aims to research and promote museums as civic and cultural platforms, for the purpose of implement the national strategy and the local sustainable development goals. «I express with a great sense of satisfaction the amazement I felt in visiting the newly inaugurated room. Such scenic beauty capable of emotionally involving people, stimulating the interest of those who visit it. The integration of the Calci Museum into “Integrated Museums” will definitely contribute to the strategy of sustainable development within the museum network ”, said Fausto Barbagli, president of the National Scientific Museums Association. “With the idea of raising public awareness about the conservation of biodiversity, this room is the beginning of a long-term program that the museum intends to carry out”, explains Damiano Marchi, current director of the museum. The exhibition and preparation of the room also had the support of the Pisa Foundation. Today and Sunday admission with a single ticket reduced by 50% which will allow you to visit all, including the new hall. © RESERVED REPRODUCTION