Animal Connections Exhibition Sweeping the Nation Comes to HITS Saugerties ~ 3 Days ONLY

Traveling, Interactive Exhibit Invites You to Celebrate Our Complex Bond with Animals and Vital Role of Veterinarians~

Brought to you through the generous support of Zoetis

That funky, animal covered 18-Wheeler on the HITS’ Showgrounds?  It’s not just another horse trailer…It’s the Smithsonian mobile exhibition Animal Connections: Our Journey Together--making an appearance at HITS Championship!

What is it?
Animal Connections is a 1,000-square-foot exhibit housed in an 18-wheel truck making its way across the U.S. The exhibition was designed to inspire the next generation of veterinarians and improve current animal care through a better understanding of the role animals and veterinarians play in our lives. It features animal kingdom learning tools, veterinary resources and interactive displays. Educating, entertaining and engaging animal lovers across the nation, it explores topics about their care and a must-see for any age and interest.

The exhibition is selectively stopping at universities, zoos, conferences, state fairs and major events. In addition to HITS-on-the-Hudson September 5-7, the truck has made 29 stops and attracted almost 100,000 visitors. It was created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Zoetis, a company whose singular focus is on animal health.

Step inside and discover a world of important and fun facts about our wonderful animal friends, both wild and domestic--from selecting the right pet and food to health advice, precautions and grooming. The space is divided into five sections: On the Farm, In the House, At the Zoo, In the Wild and the Veterinary Clinic. You’re offered a variety of ways to learn, including dynamic videos and computer-generated experiences.


Photo Provided by Smithsonian's Animal Connections
At the “virtual clinic” be a veterinarian--or at least feel like one, using touch screens to examine and diagnose what ails a dog, piglet, even a cheetah.

Exploring Our Animal Connections
"We are proud to bring the Animal Connections exhibit to communities across the U.S.," said Dr. Christine Jenkins, U.S. chief veterinary medical officer at Zoetis. "As part of our commitment to veterinarians and animal health, it celebrates the deep connection we have with animals and key role veterinarians play in maintaining their health and well-being."​

Explore and celebrate the enduring bond we all share with animals – from pets to livestock to animals in the wild. The exhibit is for future veterinarians, animal health advocates and animal lovers everywhere.

The Animal Connections exhibition is free and open to the public, and will be on the HITS-on-the-Hudson Showgrounds three days only among a host of HITS Championship festivities. Bring the family, experience for yourself--stay for what promises to be an exciting and fun weekend of events. Don’t miss it!

When:
- Friday, September 5 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday, September 6 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, September 7 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where
Parked at HITS-on-the Hudson (outside the Marshall & Sterling Rider's Lounge) during HITS Championship
454 Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, New York 12477
(P) 845.246.8833 Monday – Friday or (P) 845.246.5515 info@HitsShows.com

Visitors to “Animal Connections” can continue the learning experience online at animalconnections.com. The site includes resources on animal care and careers in veterinary medicine.