Survival of the Slowest Exhibit at Whitaker Center

Survival of the Slowest

Evolution down the path less traveled.

This new temporary live animal exhibit at Whitaker Center’s UPMC Science Center is an exploration of counterintuitive adaptations that encourages you to slow down and consider some of the advantages of being slow and some of the disadvantages of being fast.

Most people know why it is good to be bigger, stronger, or faster. But evolving to be slower as a mechanism for survival? This is the opposite of what many people think would be advantageous. But many animals have evolved to slow down as part of their survival strategy.  See how animals such as sloths, snakes, hedgehogs, and horned frogs exist — and thrive — thanks to their status as being slower, smaller, or weaker than other creatures in the animal kingdom.

Survival of the Slowest is created by Little Ray’s Exhibitions and F.A.R.E. (Little Ray’s Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education), a proud member of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).

Price

Included with UPMC Science Center Admission

Audience

All Ages

Language.

English, Spanish

See More Exhibits at Whitaker Center

BUY TICKETS

More Science Exhibits & Events

Permanent Exhibit

Kids Place

A destination for the youngest explorers! Designed with a cityscape theme this gallery includes a life-sized Operation Game, X-Ray Table, Pin Ball Falls, and much more.

EXPLORE

Oct 12, 2025 – May 17, 2026

Scout Sundays at Whitaker

Whitaker Center offers exciting, hands-on Scout Workshops designed to help participants earn badges while exploring science, technology, engineering, and more. From robotics and coding to engineering challenges and design thinking, each workshop is tailored to meet badge requirements in a fun and interactive way. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals, and every participant will leave with their earned badge(s) to proudly add to their vest or sash.

INFO & TICKETS

Oct 15, 2025 – May 27, 2026

Little Learners

Little Learners meet September through May, and is designed for children aged 3-6. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities. 

INFO & TICKETS