Scientific activities
Participation in scientific research of the fund material.
The material accumulated in the museum funds is studied by scientists from time to time: the names of known or unknown individuals are revised, species are systematized into higher taxonomic categories in accordance with current nomenclature, and duplicates of some exhibits are sent for molecular research. Scientists are interested in the information provided on the labels - date, locations, who collected and described, etc., and use this data in their scientific works.
In 1997–2005, the following fund material was managed and used for this purpose:
Aves – R.R. Budrys (VU, LSC, Department of Zoology)
Ephemeroptera – Tomas Ruginis (PhD student at Klaipėda University)
Coleoptera: Carabidae - Vytautas Tamutis (Kaunas Forest Management Institute)
Hemiptera – Stasys Molis (private individual, biology teacher)
Homoptera – Monsevičius Virgis
Odonata – Bernard Rafal (Poland, Poznan, A.Mickevičius University)
Mollusca – T. Backeljau (Belgium)
Bones – L. Daugnora (Kaunas)
Organization of expeditions.
Since 1991, the Museum of Zoology has not had special funds for expeditions.
The museum staff only helps organize expeditions of scientists from other countries to Lithuania, during which part of the collected material is left in the Museum of Zoology.
In 2003–2004, Dr. R. Bernard (Poland, Poznan, A. Mickiewicz University) visited for this purpose; in 2008, Dr. E. Wlosik-Benchak (Poland, Poznan, A. Mickiewicz University); and in 2008, Dr. Digna Pilate (Latvia, Daugavpils University).
Management (inventory and systematization) and preparation of the scientific material for the new Department of Zoology for adequate storage and further scientific research. The museum staff ensures that the collection materials from scientific research conducted at the Department of Zoology are transferred to the Museum of Zoology. We are also grateful to the staff of other institutions for the donated collections.
In 1997–2005, the following were transferred and accepted:
Prof. Habil. Dr. Sigitas Podėnas' collection of Insecta: Diptera material.
Dr. V. Rėlis' collection of Arachnida material.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Sinkevičius' collection of bird (Aves) eggs.
Educational activities
In the Museum of Zoology, VU LSC students practically learn about animals and their systematics:
1st year: During the study of the subject "Invertebrate Zoology".
2nd year: During the study of the subject "Vertebrate Zoology".
Other courses: During the study of specialized subjects.
Exercises by students and teachers of the Department of Zoology of VU LSC are carried out in the Museum of Zoology:
During the course of studying the subject "Vertebrate Zoology" of the 2nd year.
During the specialized biology teacher studies.
The following students will be introduced to the principles of classification and the exhibition of the Museum of Zoology:
VPU Faculty of Natural Sciences students – future biology teachers;
VPU Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology students – future primary school teachers.
Looking for creative inspiration at the Museum of Zoology:
VGTU Faculty of Architecture students (topics - Bionics)
Students of the Department of Photographic Technology of the Faculty of Design of VSDK (topics - photomicrographs)
Cognitive activities
- We prepare exhibitions for famous scientists and zoologists.
- We organize international and other exhibitions.
- We offer lectures-demonstrations (pre-ordered on the desired topic).
- We conduct general or thematic excursions.
Educational activities are being developed at the Vilnius University Museum of Zoology. During the Specialized Professional Studies, the idea of developing teachers' abilities to conduct lessons in an informal environment at the Museum of Zoology was raised. During the studies in 2001–2005, in line with the general education curricula, 14 thematic educational tours were prepared for forms 5, 7, and 8. These tours are not offered as additional education. Still, as a specific place for formal education - i.e., it is proposed to conduct some lessons not at school but at the Museum of Zoology. These educational tours can also be undertaken by an educationalist for informal education (e.g., museum employees) at the teacher's request. In 2004, a study on a single topic demonstrated that an educational tour offers excellent opportunities for natural science education (Biteniekyte, Skujiene, 2004).
In 1997–2005, the Zoological Museum hosted an average of 10 tours per month.
Visitors to the Museum of Zoology:
- not only from Vilnius, but also from various districts and towns, e.g., Mažeikiai, Ukmergė, Vilnius district; Rumšiškės, Maišiogala, Alytus, Tauragė, Anykščiai, etc., schoolchildren (primary, secondary, gymnasiums).
- Geology and Biology Olympiad participants; young Future Doctors; students from the Naturalists Station; children of diplomats accredited in Lithuania, students from the Children and Youth Center, School for the Deaf, Development Center, participants of the Lithuanian Youth Tourism Center, students from the Higher Technology School, Vilnius Auxiliary School, etc.
- The youngest visitors to the museum are kindergarteners.
- The oldest visitors to the museum are Customs officers (training courses-excursions), graduates of the Theological Seminary (participated in a study tour).
TV shows
Various TV shows for children and adults are filmed at the Zoological Museum, or at least some exhibits are filmed there.
In 1997–2005, the Museum of Zoology assisted in the preparation of some shows: "Green Tree of Life”, "Window to Nature", "Morning Wheel”, "News”, 02 April 2002 LNK TV channel "Dviračio šou”, 13 December 2006 LNK TV channel (hosted by R. Grineviūtė) show "The Last Crossroads”. 24 January 2008 LTV-2 channel "Shadows of Ages” historical cultural show (hosted by A. Bumblauskas).
Cooperation
The museum staff strives to establish contacts with other zoological museums, societies, and scientists in Lithuania and abroad, to attract collectors to supplement zoological collections, and to exchange exhibits, knowledge of the storage and handling of museum exhibits, and literature. Also, the Museum of Zoology participates in various art projects, performances, exhibitions, and other events.
On 27 February 2019, it was agreed to cooperate with Vilnius Adam Mickiewicz Lyceum. On 27 February, the event "Ecologically means logically" took place, encouraging students to pay attention to environmental problems and to be interested in their emergence and ways of solving them. The museum agreed to give a complimentary excursion to the winning team.
On 18 November 2016, an agreement was signed with UAB “BVRG” on cooperation in the project - Informal nature learning lessons “NATURES”. During the project, Lithuanian schoolchildren will be able to get acquainted with the most typical representatives of Lithuanian invertebrates (64 insects and 46 mollusks) through an educational mobile exhibition prepared by VU Museum of Zoology employee V. Kuznecova.
In 2008, the Agreement with Panevėžys Territorial Customs on the transfer of confiscated animals to VU Museum of Zoology was renewed:
On 17 January 2006, Vilnius Territorial Customs transferred confiscated goods to the VU Museum of Zoology: a crocodile skull, two Strombus gigas shells, and a white coral.
The VU Museum of Zoology periodically holds training sessions for Customs employees on how to practically identify and locate species covered by the CITES Convention based on 5 virtual descriptors (Bird, Butterfly, Sturgeons, Turtle, Croc, Trophy).