Published May 27, 2009

On Thursday, we set off on an adventure like no other. We’d been invited to go on a trip around the world, and we couldn’t wait! After making the trek to The Wildlife Experience, located at Lincoln Avenue and Peoria Street, just south of Denver, we stepped out of the rainy evening and into another world.

But, it’s not another world, it’s our world.

Globeology (Glohb-Ol-Uh-Jee) is not only the study of the globe, it’s the newest exhibit at The Wildlife Experience. The Grand Opening was May 23rd, but we had the opportunity to check it out early, and we were not disappointed.

The Wildlife Experience broke ground for this exhibit in 2007, and the result is absolutely amazing.

Globeology at The Wildlife Experience features eight different biomes: Rainforest, Temperate Forest, Tundra, Savanna, Asian Highlands, Coral Reef, Desert, and Wild Colorado.

As world explorers, we began our journey up in the canopy of the Rainforest Biome and made our way along the quarter-mile path that winds its way through the nearly 30,000 square feet exhibit. Each biome is an intricate display and serves as a snapshot of life in that part of the world. The longer you stand in one place, the more you see and experience. You see the large, confident creatures first. Insects hide in plain sight; shy animals peek out from the foliage. Sometimes they are hard to see until they move. Yes, they move! With the magic of animatronics, the sights and sounds of the different biomes surround you, giving you the feeling that you are totally immersed and really there.

Along the path are touch-screens and interactive stations that allow you to play videos or games or learn more information about the biome. You can even use your cell phone to call a special number at each station and listen to more detailed information.

Claire and I even met a new friend along the way!

As you work your way down the path, you spiral in and out of the different biomes. The view below you and above you is just as impressive as the views that surround you, and it really gives you a sense of how interconnected the world is.

These different perspectives also give you a glimpse of the same story told from different angles.

For example, when looking down on this predator chasing its prey, you have a sense of what life would be like from the predator’s point of view, but once you continue along the path and then look up at that same scenario unfolding above you, you get a sense of what it would be like to be the prey.

There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Globeology exhibit at The Wildlife Experience. Claire, my three year old, loved seeing the different animals, loved the interactive games (one of her favorites was scaring the fishies that swim on the floor in the Coral Reef Biome), and she had a great time. Someone a little older would enjoy the touch-screens and interactive games as they were intended. As it was, Claire loved the touch-screens just because they were touch-screens, and it will be a couple years before she appreciates them for their true purpose. My husband and I were amazed at the amount of work went into exhibits and the intricate details. It is impressive. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

So, if you’re looking for a local escape that takes you around the world, you should check it out! You won’t be disappointed!

Note:  This was not a paid review, however, we did receive free tickets to the sneak peek event.