New RSM Exhibit Pays Tribute to Passenger Pigeons and Other Extinct Species

Released on November 13, 2014

Today, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty officially opened a new exhibit at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) called “A Roar of Wings.”

One hundred years ago, on September 1, 1914, the world’s last passenger pigeon, a captive 29 year-old bird named Martha, died.  Her death marked the end of a species that once numbered in the billions.  To commemorate the loss of the passenger pigeon, the RSM developed this new exhibit about extinct and threatened species.

In addition to the passenger pigeon, visitors will also view and learn about nine other extinct species, including the Tylosaur, an ancient marine reptile that once lived in Saskatchewan; as well as other famous birds such as the Dodo and the Great Auk.  Additionally, the exhibit features sixteen currently threatened species including the Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer, the Burrowing Owl and the Macropis Cuckoo Bee, which have all been studied by RSM researchers.

“This new exhibit tells a fascinating story,” Docherty said.  “I hope many teachers, students and families take the opportunity to learn about the passenger pigeon, as well as other extinct and threatened species by visiting this exhibit throughout the winter.”

“Passenger pigeons were amazing, almost unbelievable birds,” RSM Curator of Human Ecology Glenn Sutter said.  “Their loss is part of a global extinction event that’s happening right now, due to human activity.  This exhibit not only aims to raise awareness about recent extinctions, it also focuses on species that are currently at risk, and steps being taken to protect them and help their populations recover.”

Passenger pigeons were once a common sight in central and eastern parts of North America, including Saskatchewan.  With an estimated population of three to five billion birds, they nested and travelled in enormous flocks that would darken the sky for hours, even days.  Pressured by overharvesting and the loss of nesting habitat, their numbers went into steep decline in the late 1880s, leading to their eventual extinction in 1914.

The exhibit will be on display at the RSM until spring 2015.  A new exhibit will replace it in summer 2015.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152