River Giants

There's something primal that leads people to wonder what's lurking below the waters of any large river or lake.

Produced in collaboration with National Geographic, the River Giants exhibit brings together a global collection of these behemoths, such as the powerful Arapaima, bizarre-looking Wallago Catfish and giant freshwater stingrays, to tell an important conservation story. At one time, major river systems throughout the world were inhabited by giant freshwater fish.

When rivers are healthy and ecosystems are in balance, these mighty fish may be present. Some, like the Lake Sturgeon, are recovering thanks to conservation efforts. Others, like the Giant Pangassius Catfish are critically endangered in the wild and may soon become extinct without our help.