EcoTarium to Open “Secret World of Elephants” Exhibition March 7
By Jerry Filmore
The EcoTarium will open its new exhibition, “Secret World of Elephants,” on March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., according to information provided by the museum. Museum officials state that the exhibition marks the first major national science exhibition to visit Worcester in the EcoTarium’s 200 year history. It will also serve as the inaugural exhibition in the museum’s new Stoddard Exhibition Hall. The exhibition was developed by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. According to EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Smith, the EcoTarium is the only museum in the region hosting this exhibition. On view from March 7 through September 7, 2026, the exhibition explores the biology, behavior, and conservation of Asian and African elephant species. Museum officials project that more than 100,000 visitors from across New England may attend during its run. Attendance figures are estimates provided by the EcoTarium and have not been independently verified. The exhibition includes life size models and interactive components designed to present scientific research in an accessible format. Features include: • A life size African elephant model with an internal anatomy projection illustrating feeding, digestion, and gestation.
The exhibition features a life-size model of an African elephant—the largest living land animal. A video projection on one side of the African elephant model shows the skeleton of this massive mammal and provides an inside look at how it processes the huge amount of food it eats—about 300–500 pounds per day—and elephant gestation, which can last for nearly two years, longer than any other living mammal.
Alvaro Keding/© AMNH
• Hands on stations examining infrasound communication, thermoregulation through ear movement, and habitat engineering behaviors.
• A scientifically accurate woolly mammoth model, along with dwarf elephant reconstructions and touchable teeth casts.
• Multimedia and interactive displays focused on elephant intelligence, vocalizations, family structures, and social bonds.
• Conservation focused sections addressing climate impacts, human elephant coexistence, and the global ivory trade. The exhibition also includes a documentary about Reteti, described by organizers as a community run elephant sanctuary in Kenya. Cultural elements on display include Vietnamese puppets depicting the Trưng sisters and a large figure representing the Hindu deity Ganesh, reflecting the historical and cultural connections between elephants and human societies. A public Opening Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 a.m. Ticket reservations are encouraged. Additional details, including ticket information, are available through the EcoTarium’s official website. [link needed] Worcester residents considering a visit should review ticket pricing, membership policies, and parking information directly through the EcoTarium before attending.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: “Secret World of Elephants” Exhibition at the EcoTarium
- Current Status: Scheduled to open March 7, 2026
- Key Dates or Decisions: Exhibition runs March 7 through September 7, 2026; Opening Day celebration March 7 at 11:00 a.m.
- Estimated Cost: Not publicly disclosed
- Timeline: Six month exhibition period
- Immediate Next Steps: Opening Day launch and public admission beginning March 7
- Primary Sources: EcoTarium press release dated February 25, 2026; statements from EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Smith
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