While digging through the Museum's storage room, sometimes I just have to shake my head. I might find an oddly shaped piece of plywood, mysterious rubber gasket, or strange metal stake and wonder, why would anyone save this? But occasionally one of those squirreled-away items is exactly what I need.
Scuba the Tiger Salamander has been enjoying his custom-built terrarium since the new Curiosity Center was installed last spring. The front-opening door is my favorite feature, a practical way to access Scuba's habitat for feeding and cleaning. But it also gives Scuba an easy escape route.
If Scuba is hungry, he edges out from his rock cave as I approach with a cup of worms. I reach for my keys, open the door, and carefully select a worm to offer. By the time I look up, Scuba teeters on the front edge of his enclosure, overly eager in his hunt for worms. One more step and he would meet a three-foot drop to the ground.
To avoid any injury or escape, I coax Scuba back to safety and secure the door once again. I hurry into the storage room and rummage through boxes of assorted items. Finally I spy exactly what I need: a scrap piece of plexiglass. The rectangular acrylic sheet fits perfectly at the front of Scuba's habitat like a fence during feeding time. Now I can take my time preparing his meal and know he'll be safe.
Comments