WVU Insect Zoo
The WVU Insect Zoo opened in 2007 at WVU. The official name of the collection and
zoo is the WVU Arthropod Museum and Insect Zoo.
It has been serving to accomplish the research, teaching, and service
missions of West Virginia University.
Currently, the Zoo is closed and its outreach activities have been suspended
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mission
The mission of the Zoo and Museum is to educate and engage the public. We hope to :
- Provide an understanding of the diversity of insects and other arthropods in the ecosystem
- Increase awareness of beneficial insects as well as harmful and invasive species
- Provide a place for anyone to view and interact with these diverse animals and develop a respect and appreciation for them
Facilities
The Zoo and Museum
are a part of the WVU Entomology under the Division of Plant and Soil Science,
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design. It is located
in the Agricultural
Sciences Building in the Evansdale campus of WVU. The Zoo and Museum
include two insect collection rooms, one insect rearing room, and one
display and outreach room.
Zoo
Animals
The Insect Zoo has about 26 live (mostly exotic) insects and arthropods
and previously owned 73 additional
arthropods.
Zoo Outreach
The Insect Zoo provides various outreach for the citizens of WV. Major outreach
events include the WV State Fair, WVU Family Day, WVU Diversity Week, and various
events associated with K-12 education.
Staff
Inquiry on zoo administration
Yong-Lak Park, Director
304-293-2882
304-293-2839