Friday, July 27, 2012

"Political Animals" to Invade Uptown Charlotte's EpiCentre

The campaign trail gets a little wilder this summer when Discovery
Place and the EpiCentre bring a nonpartisan contest to Uptown
Charlotte, offering a chance at victory for anyone willing to get in
the race.

Beginning July 30, a total of 24 specially-marked donkey and elephant
toy animals will be hidden throughout the EpiCentre and its resident
businesses. Each 'political animal' will be redeemable for two
tickets to Discovery Place, including entry to the National Geographic
Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes exhibition, plus two tickets
to Discovery Place's Charlotte Observer IMAX ® Dome Theatre to see
polar bears frolic in To The Arctic or the dinosaurs roar in Sea Rex..
(Note: The IMAX tickets are not valid for The Dark Knight Rises.)
The scavenger hunt, open to the public, offers a game-changing
opportunity to get involved in the culture and excitement of Discovery
Place, one of the state's most visited and beloved educational
destinations, while exploring the heart of the Democratic National
Convention's host city.

"Animals have a rare view of the world, whether they are penguins,
sharks, sea lions, elephants, donkeys or any other creature. The
Crittercam exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to see the world
the way animals do " said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery
Place, Inc. "This scavenger hunt is an entertaining way for us to let
the public see the way we can combine fun, education and science
during the advent of the DNC in Charlotte."

Showcasing the ongoing research of National Geographic's Crittercam, a
scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by wild animals,
the Crittercam exhibition at Discovery Place invites visitors to see
the world through animal eyes. Encompassing more than 20 years of
scientific invention and research collaborations, Crittercam has
uncovered stunning insights into animal life. The exhibition will be
at Discovery Place through September 16.

The twelve donkeys and twelve elephants will be secured in hidden and
visible locations throughout the EpiCentre and each will be tagged
with information about how to redeem the animal for Discovery Place
and IMAX tickets. To level the playing field, Discovery Place will be
offering daily social media clues on Facebook (facebook.com/
discoveryplace) and Twitter (@discoveryplace). The contest will
continue until all 24 animals have been captured. For more information
call 704.372.6261 x300 or email info@discoveryplace.org.

"As a longstanding partner in Charlotte's arts and culture scene, we
are excited to be in the "epicenter" of national events that will
surround the region in the coming months," said Mackay. "And, if
you're wondering what the odds of finding tickets are…well, I would
speculate that it will all come down to turnout."

About Discovery Place
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place
provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in
the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings
relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking
exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on
activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United
States engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX Dome Theatre each year.

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon
Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum's parking deck
– the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church
Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call
704-372-6261, visit www.discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery
Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte
Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with
funding from the Arts & Science Council.