Radiated Tortoise

Astrochelys radiata Order: Testudines Family: Testudinidae Radiated tortoises are the closest living relative of the Ploughshare tortoises, the most endangered tortoises in the world. Overview This striking species gives the perfect opportunity to talk about the unique biodiversity of Madagascar and the plight of endangered species across the globe. Radiated tortoises are personable and allow…

spring 2020

Download Spring 2020 (04-17-2020) newsletter This issue includes: Ambassador Animal Acquisition AMBASSADORS IN ACTION: Individualization in our Ambassador Animals: A Goat isn’t Just a Goat Page SHOW AND TAIL: A Flocking Good Time (Chilean flamingo) AMBASSADORS IN ACTION: Heroes Arrive at Point Definance Zoo & Aquarium (African giant pouched rats) RESEARCH CORNER: Impact of a…

Moon Crab

Moon Crab  Latin Name Gecarcinus quadratus Order: Decapoda Family: Gecarcinidae The common name “moon crab” is sometimes used for other Gecarcinus species or crabs in the genus Cardisoma. G. quadratus is also commonly known as the Halloween crab.  Overview  As one of the most surprising, yet familiar arthropod species, land crabs can make very good…

Laughing Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae  Overview Laughing kookaburras are the largest member of the kingfisher family and are a dynamic species that can be presented in a variety of educational forums. They have several natural behaviors that can be demonstrated during programming, including flight, calling, and prey stunning. The laughing kookaburra SSP…

Amphibians

Salamanders Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) Toads American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Colorado River Toad Oriental Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina orientalis) Marine Toad (Rhinella marina) Mexican Spadefoot Toad Puerto Rican Crested Toad Rococco Toad Woodhouse Toad (Bufo woodhousii) Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) Frogs African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) American Bullfrog Tomato Frog (Dyscophus spp.) Mossy Frog Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys spp.)…

Reptiles

Reptiles Crocodilians American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinesis) Cuban Crocodile Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) Spectacled Caiman Lizards Agamid Lizards Asian Water Dragon Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Frilled Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) Uromastyx/Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx spp.) Monitors Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) Water Monitor White-throated Monitor (Varanus albigularis) Skinks African Gold Skink (aka Schneider’s Skink) (Eumeces schneideri) Blue-tongued Skink (Tiliqua scincoides) Prehensile-tailed Skink (Corucia zebrata) Shingleback…

Mammals

SAG & TAG Pages Felid TAG Small Carnivore TAG Dusty Lombardi, Small Carnivore TAG Chair. Rodent, Insectivore, Lagomorph TAG  Rebecca Young, Rodent, Insectivore, Lagomorph TAG Chair Carnivores Felines Domestic Cat Cheetah Clouded Leopard Serval Canines Domestic Dog Fennec Fox Red Fox Wolf Raccoons, Civets, and Relatives Binturong Central American Cacomistle Ring-tailed Cacomistle White-nosed Coati Kinkajou…

Chuckwalla, Common

Chuckwalla are commonly used as ambassador animals in zoos. They are a hardy, generally docile and food-motivated lizard. As juveniles they may exhibit more active behavior during handling, but calm quickly with consistent handling. With their high food motivation as well as alert and curious demeanor, they are a great candidate for training and have been taught to station and target. Their unique physiological adaptations for their environment give an excellent educational topic in addition to some implications for their care. A desert species, they need low humidity and high heat/UV access in their habitat. Overall a versatile, excellent species for consideration as an animal ambassador.

Chilean Rose Tarantula

Chilean Rose Tarantula Latin Name Grammostola rosea    Order: Araneae     Family:  Overview The Chilean rose-haired tarantula is the hardiest of tarantulas and is easy to find in human care and is one of the most common found in ambassador animal situations. Although it has a reputation for being docile (calm), it varies in temperment…

Eastern Screech Owl

Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Overview While many facilities recommend screech owls as an “easy” or “beginner” owl, it is important to be extra vigilant with these small species that are more easily, albeit unintentionally, dominated. Despite their diminutive size and apparent ease of handling, in order to provide good welfare,…