You don't have to go to the zoo—or even leave the east side—to see cool live animals, and no, I don't mean your neighbor's hypoallergenic Labradoodle. Staying Alive: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom examines the self-defense mechanisms of 16 different animals, from armor-like skin to venom and poison. Best part? YOU CAN TOUCH SOME OF THE ANIMALS. The exhibit's promotional materials don't specify exactly which ones, but explain that "the educator in the exhibit will go over which animals can be touched by the public, which cannot, and why." Also, OMSI promises that the exhibit's animals are *not* stressed. (Couldn't be me!) by Lindsay Costello