Zoo favorite Samson re-created in exhibit

THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM’S newest special exhibit showcases a true Milwaukee legend and illustrates the museum’s status as a pioneer in the art of taxidermy.

“Samson Remembered,” which opened on Dec. 26, will be completed throughout the year before the eyes of visitors. It is free with admission to the museum at 800 W. Wells St.

The centerpiece of the exhibit will be a scientifically accurate re-creation of Samson, the gorilla that was the featured attraction at the Milwaukee County Zoo until his death in 1981. Samson weighed just 12.5 pounds when he arrived at Milwaukee’s old Washington Park Zoo in 1950. The zoo’s move to its present location at 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. vaulted it into the ranks of one of the world’s best-known zoological parks and Samson grew – literally and figuratively -– into its best-known resident.

A silverback lowland gorilla, Samson was noted for banging on the windows and steel door of his enclosure. It was thought to be a way of asserting his power and also to get visitors’ attention. He often sat on a large scale, topping out at 652 pounds in 1971.

Although larger-boned than the average adult male gorillas who weigh 400-450 pounds, Samson was overweight and was put on a diet in his last decade.

After his death, Samson’s body was retained by the zoo for some time before being sent to the museum. The skin and hair were unsuitable for standard taxidermy, but the skeleton was exhibited beginning in 1996.

In “Samson Remembered,” museum artist Wendy Christensen-Senk is using the skeleton, remains of hair, death masks, measurements and photos to reconstruct a near exact duplicate of the gorilla that delighted generations of Milwaukee residents and zoo visitors from throughout the world. The reconstruction will take place during regularly scheduled sessions throughout 2007, allowing visitors to see the process.

“This exhibit is very appropriate for two reasons,” comments Dan Finley, president and chief executive officer of the museum. “It brings back fond memories for many residents and demonstrates the skills that have made the Milwaukee Public Museum a national leader since its opening in 1880.”

Other features of the exhibit include:

• Photos and videos of Samson throughout his life.
  
  
• A platform scale where children can compare their weight with Samson’s and a chance to compare hands and feet with gorilla-sized versions.
  
  
• Entertaining displays about gorillas in popular culture, as portrayed in movies such as King Kong and Mighty Joe Young.
  
  
• Exhibits about the natural history of gorillas, their endangered species status and the development of the world’s first gorilla preserve in Africa.

Museum admission is $11 for adults (16-61), $8 for seniors (62 plus) and $6 for children 3-15. For more information, call 414-278-2702 or visit www.mpm.edu.

“Samson Remembered” is presented by the Assurant Health Foundation. Additional local support has been provided by the Dorothy Inbusch Foundation, Inc., the Harry Franke Idea Fund and the Richard G. Jacobus Family Foundation.

There’s plenty to see at The Museum Center

The Museum Center at 800 W. Wells St. includes not only the Milwaukee Public Museum, but also Wisconsin’s only IMAX domed theater. Improvements made last year to the IMAX now allow it to double as the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium.

Current and coming presentations:

• The Nunnemacher Arms Collection of rare firearms from the 17th to the 20th centuries is on display until Aug. 31.
  
  
• “Chicano Now!,” a 5,000 square-foot interactive exhibit opens Feb. 3. Created in collaboration with actor/entertainer Cheech Marin, the exhibit explores all aspects of the modern culture of Mexican Americans.
  
  
• Showing at the Humphrey IMAX Dome is “Aliens of the Deep” by award-winning director James Cameron, through Feb. 28, and “Roving Mars,” through June 14.
  
  
• Showing at the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium are “Stars of the Pharaohs”and “Wonders of the Universe,” both through June 14, and “Sonicvision,”  through Nov. 23.