Founded in 1853 as department of Zoology of the University, the museum stands today near the "Dipartimento di Biologia Animale". It contains the collections of the professors and of the members of the "Associazione Gioenia di Scienze Naturali"; rich ornithological collections of about 1500 examples include species of humming-birds, parrots, birds of paradise and of many species coming from Sicily (some of them of great historical and scientific importance). Many collections of extra-european Mammals and of earthly and sea invertebrates are exhibited and occupy an important place inside the museum, in accordance with the scientific tradition of the Department.