Our living collection is beloved by people of all ages. You can play a direct role in the care of these special and unique animals.
When you adopt an animal, your contribution is directly used to provide food and general care for our most special residents.
Adopt an Animal today and receive an official adoption certificate, a photo of your animal and a fact sheet with your animal’s name and all of the important and interesting details that make it unique. All materials will be sent via email. Animal adoption is only $35.
Select from these Museum Favorites
Eastern Box Turtle
The eastern box turtle is native to North America where it is found in open woodland and meadow edges and sometimes near pond and lake edges. The Nature Museum has one male and two female eastern box turtles all of which are in their mid to late twenties.
Spiny Softshell Turtle
These almost entirely aquatic turtles are found in shallow rivers and lake edges with sand or mud bottoms. The Museum has one male spiny softshell turtle named Pancake. Pancake gets very excited at feeding time and will sometimes splash whomever is feeding him!
Corn Snake
Corn snakes are native to North America where they are found in pine barrens, wood lots and on rocky hillsides. Corn snakes have been domesticated longer than any other snake species and are a popular first choice for potential new snake owners.
Fox Snake
Fox snakes are North American non-venomous snakes often mistaken for copperheads or rattlesnakes. Although some people may think snakes are scary, but we think they’re very special. They need lots of care in order to stay happy and healthy.
Button Quail
What’s that rustling in the bushes? If you’re in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven it’s probably a member of our button quail family. These little birds may look like babies but don’t let that fool you – they’re full grown!
Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For over 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of us.