Jen, I'm not sure what you meant by originally attached, but rather than encase the whole thing in plexi, perhaps you could cut a plexi disk that fits into the barrel, so the public could see the contents but not touch.   Unless there's some sort of physical barrier, I think you're stuck with the touching -- people probably want to see if the animals are "real."  Sorry if I misunderstood your post -- but I hope this helps.
 
Candace Perry
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
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