Sign in

University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge

@zoologymuseum.bsky.social
820 followers 40 following 111 posts

The University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge is one of the UK's largest & most important natural history collections. Thousands of specimens on display including one of the world's most complete dodo skeletons. www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🐳Did you know the Museum has been on the same site in Cambridge since 1865? Named the 'New Museums' site, it was home to a botanic garden until 1846. Many of the early specimens can still be seen, including our fin whale, owned by the Museum since 1866. Entry FREE 🙂 University of Cambridge Museums
0116
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
📢Don't miss these events coming up at the Museum!📢 🐧 Pride in Nature Tour: Sun 27 Sept (All welcome) 🐳From Darwin to Dodos Gallery Tour: Fri 2 Oct (All welcome) 🦁Animal Tails: Fossil Fun: Fri 2 Oct, 10.30 & 11.30am (Ages 2 -5) All FREE - ow.ly/cOzx50ZNmhp University of Cambridge Museums
063
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
World-first male fly brain map may help explain human behaviour. Research co-led by our Drosophila Connectomics Group could help better understand conditions in which genetic differences affect brain wiring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Read more: www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
0103
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
University of Cambridge Museums @camunivmuseums.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We're hiring! Join our team as Impact Evaluation Lead. Are you passionate about the potential of collections, culture and research to create meaningful change? This new role will support a shared approach to evaluating the social and economic impact of participation with our collections. (1/2)
Two women wearing high vis vests, one holding a clipboard, stand outside the glass front of the Museum of Zoology. Text reads Impact Evaluation Lead (Fixed Term), apply by 18 September 2026.
101
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
University of Cambridge Museums @camunivmuseums.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
What can a shell, fossil or ceramic object contribute to someone’s recovery following major trauma? This summer we worked with Cambridge University Hospitals to support an Occupational Therapy apprentice on the Major Trauma Ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Read more: www.museums.cam.ac.uk/blog
A close up of two pairs hands from above, one holding a ceramic pot and the other a pine cone. There are an array of objects on the white clothed table beneath them.A young woman with curly shoulder-length pink hair wearing scrubs looks down at a shell she is holding in her hands.
031
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
University of Cambridge Museums @camunivmuseums.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
@whipplemuseum.bsky.social @sedgwickmuseum.bsky.social @zoologymuseum.bsky.social @maacambridge.bsky.social @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social
001
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🐧 Pride in Nature tours are back! 🐧Our expert volunteer guides share their personal selection of fascinating stories about gender & sex in the animal world. Next tour is Sun 27 September, 1pm. Tours FREE. Places limited, please book ahead. University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/MhCv50ZIjkP
074
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
🦋Are you in Cambridge this Bank Holiday Monday?🐧 Fancy seeing a whale, dodo, giraffe, giant ground sloth, platypus, penguin, butterflies, spiders, crabs, corals, a whole room of British birds? 🐦Look no further! We're open from 12 until 4.30pm. Entry FREE University of Cambridge Museums
010
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
📢Calling all 2-5 year olds! Roar like a lion & move like a giraffe as we go on safari around the Museum of Zoology. Plus make your own finger puppet! Book your FREE place for our next Animal Tails session on Fri 4 Sept. University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/qSN050ZFCyt
010
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
🐳Create your own sea creature this Thurs 27 Aug, handle real corals, have a go at our quiz & follow an Under The Sea trail. Plus enter our competition with the Grand Arcade to win a cuddly toy of your design! All FREE. Everyone welcome🙂 University of Cambridge Museums #SummerAtTheMuseums
032
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
📢We're OPEN Bank Holiday Mon 31 Aug, 12 - 4.30pm. Drop by to view Cambridge's largest specimen, our iconic fin whale. Or see our dodo skeleton (possibly the most complete dodo skeleton in the world!). PLUS a lot, lot more😉 Entry FREE! University of Cambridge Museums Photo: Dodo ©J Garget
031
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
🐍Discover the hidden world of wildlife trade with a FREE museum trail by Cambridge-based experts, TRAFFIC. The trail highlights the threats facing animals & the work being done to protect them. 🐦Pick up your trail at Museum reception. University of Cambridge Museums
011
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
University of Cambridge Museums @camunivmuseums.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Your local museums have a jam-packed programme of free and low-cost activities to keep the whole family entertained this summer. The full #SummerAtTheMuseums events calendar is now live on our website: bit.ly/SummerAtTheMuseums ✍️ Illustration by Carolina Rabei
A poster with text reading Summer at the Museums and Fun family days out in Cambridge and beyond. Illustrations surround the text, showing a young child laying in an igloo reading a storybook, two children watching a volcano spew lava, two children playing with building blocks and dinosaur toys, and a parent and child exploring nature in the Garden.
011
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
🐠Join us on Thurs 27 August & help to create an ocean-themed artwork for our Whale Hall with artist Alicia Hayden 🐠🐠🐠 All materials provided. PLUS plenty more to enjoy throughout the galleries. ALL FREE. Everyone welcome! ow.ly/ASPH50Zy7BL University of Cambridge Museums
0126
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Wanted! An engaged and flexible Project Manager to oversee the delivery programmes across the Central England Digitisation Hub for #DiSSCoUK a nationwide programme to digitise the UK’s natural history collections. cam.ac.uk/jobs/project... #DigitalCollections
166
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
📢This weekend's opening hours: 🙂OPEN AS USUAL: Sat 1 August 10am to 4.30pm 🙁CLOSED: Sun 2 August- this is for essential maintenance - sorry if you were hoping to visit that day. We are open again next week as normal Tuesday onwards! Entry FREE. 🙂 University of Cambridge Museums
010
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
📢The Museum will be CLOSED on Sunday 2 August for some essential maintenance work 📢We're really sorry if you were hoping to visit on that day. Visit our website for all our opening hours: ow.ly/U0O150Ztc79 University of Cambridge Museums
Exterior view of the Museum of Zoology with large glass windows reflecting the blue sky and nearby trees.
012
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Are you blind or partially sighted? We're setting up a working group to help us develop some large 3D insect models, to be used as tactile resources in the Museum & we'd love you to join us! All the details are on our website. ow.ly/PUu550ZrmKX University of Cambridge Museums
Photo shows someone's hand holding an extra large size, white, detailed 3D model of a Great Diving Beetle, on a grey background.
24524
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
📢WE'RE RECRUITING! Senior Digitiser & two Digitisers needed to work with us & Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge creating vital biodiversity data, part of a major digitisation programme.🦋 ow.ly/QTih50ZrhOq #DiSSCoUK #MuseumJobs UK Research and Innovation University of Cambridge Museums
Photo shows a pinned moth under a lightbox with camera, a tray of moths & opened drawers of moths at the Museum.
056
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
🐠Last few spaces left on our FREE Pride in Nature tour at 1pm this Sun 19 July. Book now to join our expert volunteer guide & hear how queer perspectives help us to better understand the natural world 🦒🐧🦩https://ow.ly/MXRb50ZnNMC University of Cambridge Museums #LGBTQ+
0105
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📢Major new partnership between Oxford & Cambridge museums will release over a million digitised specimen records of British plants & insects. ow.ly/rXlt50ZnG37 Department of Plant Sciences Cambridge, UK Research and Innovation, Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford #DiSSCoUK
04921
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🦈Explore the Hidden World of Wildlife Trade in this new trail & exhibition created by TRAFFIC. Follow 12 animals & the people working together to protect them, from giant tortoises to tarantulas. FREE. University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/pfHr50ZlxJu🦈
012
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
🦋TONIGHT 🦋 Thurs 2 July at 7pm - join us LIVE online as we talk about the little things that rule the world - INSECTS! Dr Roz Wade will be with ladybird expert Prof Helen Roy & butterfly expert Matt Hayes. Get your questions ready! 🙂University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/IyMY50ZjycA
Beautiful butterfly perched on colorful zinnia flowers in a lush garden, West Java, Indonesia
030
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🦋Sat 4 July - we're delighted to join with Trinity College Fellows' Garden to offer insect walks, pond dipping & minibeast hunts. Lots of hands-on activities at the Museum too 🐝 FREE. ow.ly/Rnzi50ZiJnq University of Cambridge Museums
A vibrant peacock butterfly resting on purple aster flowers in a sunlit garden.
061
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
It's this week! 🐞Thurs 2 July at 7pm we will be chatting LIVE to expert Prof Helen Roy all about ladybirds🐞 - what are they, how many species are there & why do we need them? Ask your questions LIVE! Register now via our blog. University of Cambridge Museums🙂https://ow.ly/gYsK50Zi8gc
Macro shot of a red ladybug with black spots on a leafy plant outdoors.
0194
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📢UPDATE: The Museum & shop will be CLOSED until 10am on Tuesday 30 June 2026. 📢This is due to the extreme weather conditions affecting our cooling systems. We're really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. University of Cambridge Museums
143
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
🐝SAT 4 JULY: Explore Cambridge Trinity College Fellows’ Garden with expert guides on snails, hoverflies, pollinators & mini-beasts.🦋 Book ahead. PLUS lots on at the Museum, from activities on dung beetles 😉 to drop in talks. All welcome. ow.ly/iZZu50ZghtB University of Cambridge Museums
131
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
📢The Museum will be CLOSED on Thursday 25 June due to some essential maintenance work. We're really sorry for the short notice. The shop will also be closed. University of Cambridge Museums
001
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🐞Why are ladybirds different colours? How long do they live? How many species are there?🐞Put your ladybird questions LIVE to expert Prof. Helen Roy. Join us: 7pm, Thurs 2 July as we chat all about these beautiful beetles. All welcome! ow.ly/LymX50Zf7JK University of Cambridge Museums
0116
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Pride Month Mini-Series: Today's focus is the behaviour of oystercatchers. Want to learn more? Book onto our next FREE Pride in Nature tour on 21st June via our website. @CamUnivMuseums #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #LGBTFacts #PRIDE #PRIDE2026 #MusuemOfZoology #PrideInNature.
Two oystercatchers perched on rocky terrain, one flying with a rainbow background and text about their breeding behaviour.

Text reads: Oystercatchers are typically monogamous with both the mother and father heavily involved in raising chicks. But in a 1998 field study Dik Heg and Rob van Treuren reported a surprisingly high frequency of stable ‘trios’ forming. Two females and a male share a territory and nest. Together they act cooperatively to attend to their young and defend the territoryOystercatcher standing on one leg against a rainbow background with 'Girl Boss' lettering next to it and text about female copulation behaviour surrounding. 

The text reads: Within the trio the two females regularly copulate with each other as well as the male. The female-female copulations are behaviourally indistinguishable from the male-female copulations, with the females adopting either the male or female ‘role’.
A rainbow background with a purple rhinoceros, a flying albatross , a black and white oystercatcher, a giraffe, and a brown bear surround text which reads Join our upcoming Pride in Nature tour on June 21st - link in bio
051
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Pride Month Mini-Series: Today we are talking about the Laysan albatross!❤️🧡🤍 🩷 Want to learn more? Book onto our next FREE Pride in Nature tour on 21st June. Tickets can be booked via our website: www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events/pri…
Two Laysan albatrosses nestled closely together on the ground surrounded by foliage, illustrating female-female pair bonding on Oahu Island.

The text reads: A 2008 study reported 31% of Laysan albatross pairs on Oahu Island were female-female. This is attributed to the skewed sex ratio of the population, with fewer males. While some of these pairings are temporary until a male becomes available for reproduction, others remain lifelong.Cartoon of two albatrosses performing a courtship dance and singing. 

The text reads: One ‘lesbian’ couple has been together for 17 years! The same age as the Oahu colony. In this time they’ve raised 8 orphan chicks and become grandparents.
Birds in F/F pairs engage in the same elaborate courtship rituals and preening present in male-female pairs.
A rainbow background with a purple rhinoceros, a flying albatross , a black and white oystercatcher, a giraffe, and a brown bear surround text which reads Join our upcoming Pride in Nature tour on June 21st - link in bio
0126
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
📢On Tues 23 & Wed 24 June the Museum will be CLOSED for essential maintenance 📢 We're really sorry if you were hoping to visit on those days. The shop & café will be open, plus you can still see our 21 metre fin whale, which hangs above the shop 🐳University of Cambridge Museums
001
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Pride Month Mini-Series: Today, we are highlighting the meaning and importance of the Lavender Rhino.🦏💜 Want to learn more? Book onto our next FREE Pride in Nature tour on 14th and 21st June. Tickets can be booked via our website: www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events/pri…
030
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Pride Month Mini-Series: Happy Pride Month: let's talk about bears in LGBTQ+ Culture! Want to learn more? Book onto our next FREE Pride in Nature tour on 14th and 21st June. Tickets can be booked via our website: www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events/pri…
051
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Pride Month Mini-Series: Happy Pride from the Museum of Zoology! To celebrate, here are some fun facts about both LGBTQ+. Want to learn more? Book onto our next FREE Pride in Nature tour on 14th and 21st June. www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events/pri…
041
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
🐳Why is there a fin whale skeleton in Cambridge? 🐳Curious about what Darwin collected whilst he was studying? Join us for a FREE expert guided tour! Tours are monthly, next tour: Friday 12 June at 3pm ow.ly/pi8C50Z9pyl University of Cambridge Museums
021
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
This #PrideMonth take a look around the Museum with our Pride In Nature trail. It's about how queer perspectives help us to understand the natural world & how 'science' has actively hidden same-sex behaviour in animals. Trail & Museum entry FREE #PrideUK #Pride2026 University of Cambridge Museums
0268
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Where migratory birds stop may determine their future Research published today lead by Dr Sayam Chowdhury of our #Conservation Science Group reveals previously overlooked conservation priorities for shorebirds across Asia. Find out more: bit.ly/3RzT0xl
0126
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
📢SAVE THE DATES! 📢 🐝Our biggest family event of the year ZoologyLive! is on Sat 4 July, all activities FREE, everyone welcome 🐞PLUS don't miss ZoologyLive! - The Livestream, online Thurs 2 July. We'll be talking about ladybirds - get your questions ready! University of Cambridge Museums
031
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
#Pride in Nature 🏳️‍🌈 tours coming on Sunday 14 & 21 June at 1pm. Book your FREE place & discover the stories that are sometimes left untold... Tours led by expert volunteers. Everyone welcome. Book ahead ow.ly/sAOu50Z4C8K University of Cambridge Museums #PrideUK #LGBTQ+
044
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
😎It's a bank holiday weekend coming - here are our opening hours: 🌞Sat 23 May: 10am - 4.30pm 🌞Sun 24 May: 12 noon - 4.30pm 🌞Mon 25 May: 12 noon - 4.30pm It's due to be HOT outside, but it's always cool in the Museum 😉Do pop in! University of Cambridge Museums
041
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🐝It's World Bee Day! Not all bumblebees are the same - did you know there are 24 different species in the UK? Eight of those are listed as conservation priority species - find out more about bees & pollinators on our blog 🐝https://ow.ly/VP3F50Z24xJ #WorldBeeDay2026 University of Cambridge Museums
Bumblebee collecting nectar from a vibrant yellow flower during daylight in a lush garden setting.
053
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
TONIGHT, Wed 13 May 5.30pm - join us in Cambridge as Elizabeth Yale & James Costa talk about their new book 'The Descent Of Man - an annotated edition' Talk is in the main zoology lecture theatre, with Museum galleries & shop open afterwards. FREE 🙂https://ow.ly/poPw50YYV90
021
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Come to the Museum Whale Hall to see this fabulous artwork by our Young Zoologists, created in partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and inspired by #SirDavidAttenborough. Museum entry FREE
093
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Jack Ashby @jackdashby.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
In @zoologymuseum.bsky.social we teach a module for Ecology & Conservation students on using natural history collections to research environmental change. Today's class covered the colonial legacies of these collections - by understanding the collections' histories, we can put them to better use.
A powerpoint slide showing a black and white trophy photo of a thylacine hung up by its ankles, with a bearded hunter posed sat next to it, with a shotgun resting on his lap.
The text on the lecture slide reads:
Today we’ll cover
- An introduction to addressing colonial legacies in natural history museums.
- Violence in collections.
- Better acknowledging that a greater diversity of people deserve credit.
1194
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🎂Happy 100th Birthday to Sir David Attenborough 🎂 We are proud that #SirDavidAttenborough opened our Museum in 2018. Here he explains why zoology museums are “the bedrock on which zoological science depends.” 💗 University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/rpqP50YREJg Photo credit: CamDiary
02211
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Join James Costa & Elizabeth Yale as they talk about their new book 'The Annotated Edition of The Descent of Man', PLUS Museum galleries & shop will be open afterwards, with copies of the book available. FREE, book ahead, Wed 13 May at 5.30pm 🙂https://ow.ly/FMXN50YVoZy
022
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
📢We're delighted to be nominated by Muddy Stilettos as one of the area's Best Family Experiences. Thank you so much to everyone that nominated us 💗 Still time to vote for a winner 😉 Voting closes May 26th 🙂 University of Cambridge Museums ow.ly/UCmn50YUV7j
ow.ly
Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 | Free UK Lifestyle Awards - Vote | Muddy Stilettos
The Muddy Stilettos Awards are the most coveted awards for independent lifestyle businesses across 28 counties, and totally FREE to enter!
022
University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @zoologymuseum.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
📢The Museum is open this Bank Holiday weekend! 🦋Saturday 2 May: 10am to 4.30pm 🦋Sunday 3 May: 12 noon to 4.30pm 🦋Bank Holiday Monday 4 May: 12 noon to 4.30pm Look forward to welcoming you soon 🐳🦋🐝Entry FREE
021
Reposted by University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge @camzoology.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
🦟Infectious disease has shaped the deep history of our species, as new research co-authored by members of our Evolutionary Ecology Group reveals. @eegcam.bsky.social @mikleonardi.bsky.social @ceciliapad.bsky.social www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
076