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18 June 2009

Queensland Museum South Bank looks skyward to celebrate Shanghai Week

A new exhibition featuring migratory shorebirds that visit both Brisbane and Shanghai will mark Shanghai Week in Queensland celebrations at Queensland Museum South Bank 20 June-2 August.

Shanghai Bound is a tribute to the intrepid migratory shorebirds birds that visit both cities as they travel distances of up to 14,000km along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway on their annual journey from breeding grounds in Siberia, northern China and Alaska.

Acting Director of Queensland Museum South Bank Bernadette McCormack said Shanghai Bound, which features 17 species of shorebirds, illustrates the importance and responsibility of protecting shared wildlife.

"Brisbane and Shanghai are both 'river cities' fronted by extensive marine wetlands of international significance for long-distance migratory shorebirds," Ms McCormack said.

"Shanghai Bound highlights the importance of maintaining these fragile coastal refuges and reminds people that we are all responsible for their continuation.

"The exhibition also highlights international conservation agreements and scientific exchanges vital to the protection of these remarkable birds."

Shanghai Bound coincides with Shanghai Week in Queensland (24 - 30 June) which celebrates the 20-year sister state relationship between Queensland and Shanghai and also heralds World Exposition 2010 to be held in Shanghai.

Shanghai Bound
Queensland Museum South Bank 20 June to 2 August 2009. Entry is free.
For more information visit www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3840 7555.
Queensland Museum South Bank, corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank. Open daily 9:30am to 5pm.