International Wildlife Museum

This museum teaches our children it's alright to kill and mount animals bodies or heads for our enjoyment. They claim "all the animals found at the museum were donated by various government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs, zoos and individuals." The reality is that the museum is the clever brainchild of Safari Club International, a group of wealthy hunters who find "pleasure" in accumulating kills and the accompanying trophies. According to one report, the club's lobbying efforts are targeted at undermining the intent of the Endangered Species Act in the name of "conservation." Aptly called the "museum of death" by its opponents, the museum has worked hard to acquire legitimacy since it first opened in 1998. But all the dioramas in the world don't compensate for the fact that taxidermy displays are a grotesque testament to human hubris and useless educational tools. If you want to teach your kids about wildlife, go for a walk in the desert or take a trip to the mountains. You can tune in to a National Geographic special or the Discovery channel. Books, even in this day of electronic everything, still provide information to spark the imagination. Whatever you do, avoid the International Wildlife Museum and choose compassion with your dollars. more

I recently took my nephew here expecting a fun and interactive time but he was actually a little freaked out by the dead animals and didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the Desert Museum or the Children's Museum, so it really wasn't worth the long drive or the cost to get in. Maybe older kids would find it more interesting. more

I have to admit, I prefer live animals but my son so enjoyed this museum that I have to give it at least four stars. It is pretty amazing. The tours are very educational too. My son had lots of facts to relay to family and friends when he got home. You can usually find coupons for admission in the bear Essential News. The museum is quite a drive, but worth the trip especially if you have children. more

Need to get out of the heat and still enjoy a family outing? Go to the International Wildlife museum. In it there is a theatre to watch wildlife videos throughout the day, snack bar and gift shop, but the most fascinating are the displays of stuffed animals the world over. There is also an area for children to touch bones and fur and to learn about taxidermy. more