Join herpetologist Raymond Corey for his up-close and interactive presentation of Alabama’s venomous snakes and other native reptiles!

Raymond Corey is a renowned herpetologist and conservation educator whose lifelong dedication to reptiles and amphibians has significantly impacted Alabama's wildlife community. Born in upstate New York and raised in Pennsylvania, Corey's passion ignited during childhood, where he studied herpetofauna extensively and learned safe handling of venomous snakes at a young age.

Upon relocating to Alabama, he founded and presides over the Alabama Herpetological Society, a key organization promoting research, conservation, and public outreach for native species. Corey also administers the thriving Alabama Reptile & Amphibians ID and Education Facebook group, with nearly 50,000 members relying on it for accurate identifications, educational resources, and efforts to combat common myths.

In 2018, Corey co-developed the Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders (VIPER) class with Jimmy Stiles from Auburn University. This specialized training teaches first responders essential skills in snake identification, safe handling, and bite protocols, uniquely offering Continuing Education Credits. In 2025, VIPER earned the Best Environmental Education Community Project Award from the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.

Through hands-on presentations, community events, and steadfast advocacy, Corey continues to inspire responsible wildlife stewardship and protect Alabama's diverse herpetofauna.

Join herpetologist Raymond Corey for his up-close and interactive presentation of Alabama’s venomous snakes and other native reptiles!

Raymond Corey is a renowned herpetologist and conservation educator whose lifelong dedication to reptiles and amphibians has significantly impacted Alabama's wildlife community. Born in upstate New York and raised in Pennsylvania, Corey's passion ignited during childhood, where he studied herpetofauna extensively and learned safe handling of venomous snakes at a young age.

Upon relocating to Alabama, he founded and presides over the Alabama Herpetological Society, a key organization promoting research, conservation, and public outreach for native species. Corey also administers the thriving Alabama Reptile & Amphibians ID and Education Facebook group, with nearly 50,000 members relying on it for accurate identifications, educational resources, and efforts to combat common myths.

In 2018, Corey co-developed the Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders (VIPER) class with Jimmy Stiles from Auburn University. This specialized training teaches first responders essential skills in snake identification, safe handling, and bite protocols, uniquely offering Continuing Education Credits. In 2025, VIPER earned the Best Environmental Education Community Project Award from the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.

Through hands-on presentations, community events, and steadfast advocacy, Corey continues to inspire responsible wildlife stewardship and protect Alabama's diverse herpetofauna.

Cranes have been a part of human culture around the world for thousands of years. These majestic birds have captivated the hearts and minds of the inhabitants on all 5 continents in which they are found. During this engaging and entertaining presentation, guests will learn all about the natural history of cranes around the world, discover their importance in culture and folklore, and hear the poignant story of Whooping Crane conservation.

Come and meet Hope, get your picture made with her, or even practice your crane dance moves with her!

Author Heather C. Morris will read her book Trunk Goes Thunk! A Woodland Tale of Opposites and talk with kids about opposites, forests, and using all five senses to explore our wide and wonderful world. All ages are welcome to this free program. For more information, click the link below!

“Paper Plate Birds” and "Thumb Print Cranes" – Make & Take Art Activities with ACA Art Faculty

Come and make some colorful feathered friends with the ACA Art Instructors. Let your imaginations take flight with paper plates and colors!

Wild About Whoopers with FREE Admission

Saturday, January 10 from 10 am – 5 pm
FREE General Admission

The Cook Museum is wild about whoopers!  Enjoy complimentary Admission to the Museum’s Exhibits during this event and take part in special presentations and hands-on activities. Find out why whooping cranes are so amazing at the Cool Cranes Science on the Spot presentations. There will be a take-home craft, a photo station, and a Crane Dance Party, where you can learn how to dance like a crane. As you explore the Exhibits, collect a complete set of 6 Migratory Birds Collectible Cards, including an egret and a heron.

Local author, Phoebe Goodwin, will host a special story time where she will read her children’s book “The White Feather” at10:30 am & 11:30 am with a book signing to follow each reading. The book will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

Learn about the joys of taking an easy approach to bird watching. Drawing inspiration from Joan Strassman’s “Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying Birds in Your Own Backyard”, Land Trust of North Alabama Educators, Tim Gels and Elizabeth Moats, will cover the basics of birding that you can do from your own home during the presentations at 11 am and 1 pm.

Become a nature sleuth and join Laura Grace Clark Art as she walks children through how easy it is to start a nature journal of their own. Using objects from the Museum and their own take-home journal packet, participants will practice how to observe and document the wonders of nature all around us. There will be two 30-minute sessions at Noon and 2 pm. Though primarily designed for children, all are welcome!

During the month of January, try a Cool Crane Smoothie, a version of Nature’s Table Cocolada Smoothie, with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a strawberry wedge. Available for purchase for a limited time!

All Activities Sponsored by Decatur Morgan Hospital

WILD ABOUT WHOOPERS SCHEDULE:

• “The White Feather” Story Time & Book Signing with Phoebe Goodwin: 10:30 am & 11:30 am

• Slow Birding Presentation with the Land Trust of North Alabama: 11 am & 1 pm

• Nature Journaling with Laura Grace Clark Art: Noon & 2 pm

• Cool Cranes Science on the Spot: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 1:30 pm

• Hands-On Activities & Photo Station: 10 am – 4 pm

• The Whoopers At Wheeler Video: All Day

• Crane Dance Party: All Day

• Migratory Birds Collectible Cards: All Day

• Cool Crane Smoothie (available for purchase at Nature’s Table)

Early arrival is strongly recommended because Exhibit entry will be based on a timed-entry system with a limited number of entrants allowed at a time. The Museum opens at 9 am. 

For more Cook Museum Activites: check this link for more details.

Did you know that cranes can dance? They are also incredibly fierce protectors as well! Families are welcome to join us for a morning of learning all about crane dancing and fighting. Participants will get to practice their crane dance moves and learn all about the tough nature of these fancy-footed birds. This interactive program is geared toward families with elementary and middle school aged children and has limited space.

Hope, mascot for the International Crane Foundation, will present this free story time for all ages. Hope appears courtesy of the International Crane Foundation.