Prehensile-tailed Skink

The Prehensile tailed(PT) skink has many adaptations to discuss with visitors about their arboreal lifestyle. However, some individuals might have aggressive tendencies around their enclosure or breeding season. Presenting them on a perch can minimize those interactions. Limited breeding in captivity can impact availability of ambassadors.

Glass Lizard (aka Scheltopusik)

The scheltopusik is often overlooked as a snake, but is a great transition species for people afraid of snakes. Their sandy brown coloration and diamond shaped scales are excellent camouflage. They can be hissy and roll in hand, but can also mellow out and relax in hand. Like other reptiles, it needs a specific heat gradient and UVB.

Fall 2020

Download Fall 2021 (09-28-2020) newsletter This issue includes: Articles AMBASSADORS IN ACTION: A Giant Rabbit with a Giant Notion (Domestic Rabbit) SHOW AND TAIL: Extreme Monotremes (Echidna) AMBASSADORS IN ACTION: The Swallow-tailed Kite SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Frilled Lizard (Frilled Dragon) SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula SHOW AND TAIL: From Bug in a Box to Out…

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…

Blue Tongued Skink

Tiliqua scincoides Order: Squamata Family: Scincidae There are 3 subspecies of Tiliqua scincoides, Australian blue-tongued skink [1] T. s. chimaerea, Tanimbar blue-tongued skink, T. s. intermedia, northern blue-tongued skink, T. s. scincoides, eastern blue-tongued skink Natural History Information Range and Habitat These skinks are crepuscular, and well adapted to borrowing and terrestrial habitats. They are…

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.

Fall 2018 Newsletter

Download Fall 2018 Newsletter SHOW AND TAIL: Breaking the Rules: An unconventional and successful approach to breeding three-banded armadillos Upcoming AZA Professional Development Courses and Professional Conferences SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Common Chuckwalla, Sauromalus ater Related: See Western Chuckwalla AMBASSADORS IN ACTION: The Little Macaw That Could: Finding the Right Job for the Animal SHOW AND TAIL:…

Spring 2017 Newsletter

Download Spring 2017 (07-15-2016) News from the Ambassador Animal SAG Ambassadors in Action: Watertown Middle School CARES About the Ambassador Animals at the Bramble Park Zoo Research Corner: Could a Visit to the Zoo Lower Your Level of Stress? Species Spotlight: Prehensile Tailed Skink Show and Tail: West African Crowned Cranes at Tracy Aviary Population…