TIME OUT CHICAGO SMACK DOWN: EXTREME ANIMAL EXHIBITS

In the bustling city of Chicago, two zoos are vying for attention with their newest exhibits featuring some of the most extreme and fascinating animals on the planet. The Field Museum is debuting 'Extreme Mammals' on May 26th, while Brookfield Zoo has already opened its doors to 'Xtreme BUGS'. Both exhibits promise an unforgettable experience, showcasing realistic models, taxidermy, and live specimens of some of the strangest warm-blooded animals that have ever roamed Earth.

One exhibit that stands out is the 'Dire Wolf' at the Field Museum. This ancient relative of modern wolves lived in North and South America until humans overhunted it. The dire wolf's anatomically correct illustration provides a glimpse into its majestic appearance, making it easy to understand why this species was once so revered. On the other hand, Brookfield Zoo's 'Xtreme BUGS' exhibit features 22 colossal animatronic insects, including the world's largest centipede, which spans an impressive 21 feet from antennae to tail.

Another highlight of both exhibits is the opportunity for visitors to interact with the animals in a unique way. At the Field Museum, kids can wrap their arms around the legs of a six-foot-tall pangolin and walk under its belly, while at Brookfield Zoo, they can watch a giant moving animatronic version of the Peruvian centipede up close.

But what really sets these exhibits apart is the level of realism and detail that has gone into creating them. The dire wolf's illustration is so lifelike that it almost seems to leap off the page, while the animatronic insects at Brookfield Zoo are incredibly realistic, making it easy to imagine that they might come to life at any moment.

In conclusion, both the Field Museum and Brookfield Zoo have outdone themselves with their new exhibits. Whether you're fascinated by mammals or insects, there's something for everyone in these extreme animal exhibits. So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Chicago this summer, be sure to check out 'Extreme Mammals' at the Field Museum and 'Xtreme BUGS' at Brookfield Zoo.

Time out chicago smack down