Science Center Holding Contest To Name Its Emus

The public is invited to enter a contest to name two young emus in a new attraction at the Rockville Centre-based Center for Science Teaching & Learning’s Dinosaurs! and People’s United Bank Animal Adventure.

The nonprofit center dedicated to encouraging science learning and literacy said the contest will run Sept. 1 to Sept. 30. The emus are part of an exhibit that focuses on how animals and dinosaurs adapt to their environments — the only exhibit of its kind in Nassau County. Visitors to the exhibit can see museum-quality dinosaur models in addition to a variety of live wild animals, including owls, golden pheasants, goats, alligators, lizards, turtles, and frogs, along with a special exhibit, The World of Rabbits.

“Emus are a popular part of our new animal exhibition, but they need names,” CSTL Director Dr. Ray Ann Havasy. “We are calling upon our visitors and friends to submit their ideas for naming our two emus.”

The emu is the second-largest living bird by height, after its close relative, the ostrich. An Australian native, emus are soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds with long necks and legs, and can reach up to 6-foot, 2-inches tall. They can travel great distances and can sprint at about 31 mph.

To enter suggestions, visitors must submit an entry card in person at the exhibit with the proposed name for one of the birds written on the entry slip along with their name and contact information. Winners will be selected on Oct. 1 and asked to join Dr. Havasy at the attraction on Oct. 5 for the public announcement of the names. The winners will also have their photos on permanent display with the emus.

Center for Science Teaching & Learning’s Dinosaurs! and People’s United Bank Animal Adventure is located at Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre. It is is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children under 10. For more information call 516-764-0045 or visit cstl.org