By EDEN STAPLES
Tiger Media Network
The Sternberg Museum has had its rattlesnake exhibit “Rattlerssss: From Fear to Fascination” for 14 years. However, in October, the museum announced that the rattlesnake exhibit would end due to financial constraints. Additionally, the museum said the rattlesnakes had grown older and required specialized care.
Following the exhibit closure, the snakes will be moved to different locations to receive the care they need. Sternberg Museum Manager of Visitor Services, Brad Penka, said that 31 rattlesnakes will be moved to the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in Arizona, and the remaining 2 will be reunited with former Collection Manager Jackson Roberts at his new institution in Virginia. Penka also said that because the snakes’ health declines as they get older, they would have had to be moved in the future anyway.
Family looks at the Banded Rock rattlesnake enclosure. 
The entrance to the Hansen Gallery where Sternberg’s rattlesnake exhibit is housed 
Prairie rattlesnake 
Banded Rock rattlesnake 
People look at the Midget Faded rattlesnake educational map showing areas where this snake lives. 
Mohave rattlesnake 
Speckled rattlesnake blends in with rocks. 
Tiger rattlesnake 
Parker Hurley poses in front of the Tiger rattlesnake enclosure. 
Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake 
Person looks at the educational rattlesnake boards showing the lengths of different snakes. 
Grand Canyon rattlesnake 
People look at and read about the Timber rattlesnake’s enclosure. 
Massasauga rattlesnake 
Person takes a picture of the Rock rattlesnake enclosure. 
Western Diamondback rattlesnake 
Young kid looks at the Boa Constrictor named Athena. 
Aruba Island rattlesnake 
Different rattlesnake stuffed animals. 
Person pointing to the Prairie rattlesnake. 
Save Sternberg sign hung up and visitors hope they can save the history and different animals.
Prior to Monday’s announcement that Sternberg’s previously announced closing date of December 18 had been rescinded, visitors from near and far have come to say goodbye to the beloved snake collection.
The exhibit offers over 30 species of rattlesnakes to read about and see and is the largest collection of rattlesnakes in Kansas. Kyra Nippert, who came to visit the exhibit, said she loves seeing all the different snake species they offer.
“It’s really awesome to see all the snakes from all around in one place and the information is so cool and just comparing the differences between all the snakes is really awesome,” Nippert said.
Inside the exhibit, visitors can learn about and look at each snake’s environment. There aren’t just snakes but educational graphs, artifacts, rocks, photos and even a boa constrictor. A young girl visiting, Piper Cauble, said her favorite part is the cool rocks, while FHSU student Parker Hurley said he likes looking at the boa constrictor named Athena.
Sternberg is planning a final public feeding and rattlesnake demonstration to say a final goodbye to the snakes. Dates and times have not yet been announced.