‘Survival of the Slowest’ Animal Exhibition

Slow down this summer at a fun and informative exhibition on slow, small, and sleepy animals. These critters demonstrate just how their seeming disadvantages help them not only survive but thrive in a world full of fast animals at the top of the food chain. A traveling exhibition at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, “Survival of the Slowest,” is open to the public through September 7.

The exhibition features live animals including a two-toed sloth, a lesser hedgehog tenrec, and snakes. It encourages guests to slow down, too, to take their time in learning how biology concepts apply in the real world and how animal survival is all about trade-offs.

“In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to miss the successful lives of creatures that live their lives to the slowest,” said Timshel Purdum, Virginia C. Ellett Deputy Director of Education. “We want to challenge guests to think differently about animals who are not the fastest or largest – their speed or size may be an advantage instead of a disadvantage. This exhibition provides a different look at ways animals have evolved solutions to problems. There’s no one way to survive.”

Guests who visit “Survival of the Slowest” will discover sloths’ tactics to avoid predators, iguanas’ energy conservation, and how snakes can go so long without eating. A trip through the exhibition will help guests understand how some animals find unique ways to hide from adversaries.

Senior adults can take advantage of additional opportunities to get a guided look at animal adaptations, as part of Senior Science programming. The exhibition also includes daily presentations led by the animal keepers, who are at the Science Museum for the summer. Special summer activities range from make-your-own animal plushies in “The Forge” to a look at animal migrations in “Science on a Sphere®” and rotating activities in the Art Lab and throughout the building.

The Science Museum offers a number of ways to enjoy “Survival of the Slowest” in the evening. On July 23, the adults-only Science on Tap goes Upside Down (much like the sloth), at an event offering a look at the stranger side of science. Through Labor Day, the Science Museum offers extended hours each Friday to give guests additional opportunities to take in “Survival of the Slowest.”

“Survival of the Slowest” is produced by Little Ray’s Exhibitions. Little Ray’s Nature Centre is the largest exotic animal rescue organization in Canada and has won national recognition for their work.

Admission is available as a $5 add-on ticket to guests’ visit to the Science Museum.

“Survival of the Slowest,” May 23 to September 7, 2026
The Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond