Twenty working Siberian husky dogs will visit Discovery Point in Dundee on Sunday as part of Puffins, Penguins and Polar Bears, a family day themed around Arctic and Antarctic animals at the award-winning visitor attraction.
Visitors will be able to meet the ice dogs when they visit on Sunday, August 5 to give the public insight into animals living and working in extreme environments.
The dogs will be featured alongside other activities inspired by animals living in polar regions. Visitors will have the chance to get up close to natural history specimens including a leopard seal skull, a polar bear skull and a narwhal tusk, kindly on loan from the University of Dundee Museum Services.
Children can enjoy themed storytelling sessions with inspiring storyteller and puppeteer Sylvia Troon and face painting by local face-painter and artist Kitchimama, along with other arts and crafts.
The man behind the husky visit is Pete Jones, a professional dog sled racer who first got into the business 20 years ago. He soon discovered dog sled racing and he took to the sport with ease, quickly rising in the competitive ranks. Over the years he has competed and placed in many competitive dog sled races, winning the Aviemore Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally four years in a row.
The huskies are no strangers to publicity; they have already featured in two BBC documentaries, Inside Out and A1: Britain’s Longest Road. Pete, who runs Cold Feet Huskies, said:
“The dogs love meeting people and they’re already TV stars in their own right. We’re excited about our visit to Captain Scott’s ship. It’s a fitting place to talk about our dog sledding work.”
Pete and the huskies will be making the 400-mile journey up from their home in Lincolnshire (though not by sled!)
The family day is the latest in a raft of ‘cool’ Dundee happenings, including the popular Maggie’s Penguin Parade that has been taking the city by storm. Discovery Point, home to the historic ship RRS Discoveryand boasting recently upgraded exhibits and galleries, honoured the Parade’s penguin theme last year with the launch of a new fluffy toy, Emma Penguin. A clever play on the Dundonian accent, Emma Penguin is a best seller in the giftshop.
Dr Paul Jennings, Executive Director of Dundee Heritage Trust, which runs RRS Discovery and its sister attraction Verdant Works, said:
“We’re really looking forward to having the huskies here. I think it’ll be a great opportunity for families to learn about these animals and their environment. The family day will be a perfect event for all ages.”
This event will take place between 12-4pm on August 5 at Discovery Point and is included in the price of museum admission.
What: Puffins, Penguins and Polar Bears
When: 12 noon to 4pm
Where: Discovery Point & RRS Discovery, Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD1 4XA
Tickets: Free on admission to Discovery Point.
More information: www.rrsdiscovery.com