Natural History Museum of Muscat

This was a fun day. We went back to the Natural History Museum the next morning while it was open. It's a small building, certainly not the Smithsonian but this story wouldn't happen at the Smithsonian.  We made our way through the museum learning about the geology and zoology of Oman.  

There are a few endangered such as the Arabian Oryx. The local goat herds have eaten their food sources. Oman does have a sanctuary for the Oryx that I would like to visit someday if we can afford the tickets. I don't know how much, just herd it was pricey.

The kids said their favorite exhibit was the whale/fish exhibit. Many large fish and aquatic mammals migrate through the Gulf of Oman. Side note: I really dislike mask photos.

 

I love the shells in Oman, we've found so many. I thought it would be nice to have the poster above to help us identify them all and remember their names. I asked at the front desk if they had a gift shop or a place they knew of where I could purchase a poster. He said they did not. The Omani's speak fairly good English. Almost all signs are in both Arabic and English. It is part of their culture but between the language limitations and accent struggles, it can be challenging to communicate. He did tell me he would call his supervisor. After he got off the phone he said "Follow me". I didn't really know what else to do. The kids were in an adjoining gallery and didn't even see me leave. We went up into the administration offices to a lady who was a curator of the shells. She showed me around her collection and was very nice but clearly wasn't sure what I wanted. I showed her a picture of the shell poster and we talked. She offered to let me take a photo of another chart she had but didn't know where to get a copy. I asked her what she did, what her training was. She was studying Animal Science and just working there. I asked her if there was another office for insects and told her a little about Samuel. I wondered if I could bring him to see the insect collection. She took me to find her colleague who curates the insects. This lady was also so kind of was happy for Samuel to visit any time. I was elated. No, this collection is nothing like the Smithsonian, but that's exactly it. I can bring Sam to the behind the scenes without an appointment and they're happy to "show him what we have and also learn from him." He's elated and really hoping they can also help him find access to the UAE Insect Project which is almost all there is for him to study on the beetles he's finding and looking for here. Tender Mercy.