Emperor Scorpion

Pandinus imperator Order: Scorpiones Family: Scorpionidae Overview This species is commonly found in education collections. Because of their impressive size, Emperor scorpions are known for their wow factor. They do not have potent venom which also makes them a possibility for handling, although their pincers are powerful. Like tarantulas, most people consider scorpions scary or…

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Gromphadorhina portentosa Order: Blattodea Family: Blaberidae Overview A fantastic, easy program animal for any handler. So many different educational messages. And kids of all ages love insects- or at least intrigued by them! Natural History Information Range and Habitat They are found in the tropical, lowland rainforests of Madagascar, typically under dry leaves on the…

Virginia opossum

Species  Didelphis virginiana Order: Didelphimorphia Family: Didelphidae Overview  Virginia Opossums are relatively large, and thus easy for audiences to see. They are native to North America, and are the continent’s only native marsupial. They can be trained to kennel, target, station, nail trims, and perform A-B behaviors, to name a few. Unreleasable individuals may be…

Florida Kingsnake

Latin Name: Lampropeltis getula floridiana Order: Squamata Family: Colubridae Considered an unofficial subspecies of kingsnake Overview Capron Park Zoo has been using a Florida Kingsnake as an Animal Ambassador for several years. It is an easily kept species that is forgiving of a variety of husbandry conditions, a good eater with a curious and non-aggressive…

Ornate Box Turtle

Terrapene ornata ornate Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Natural History Information Range and Habitat Common box turtles can be found throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. They can live in a wide variety of habitats, from wooded swamps to dry, grassy fields. They are most abundant and healthy in moist forested areas with plenty of…

Brazilian Black Tarantula

Grammostola pulchra Order: Araneae Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Diet Requirements Wild Diet: they eat a variety of invertebrates, including insects. May also eat small mammals, reptiles and other spiders. Zoo/Aquarium Diet: insects (crickets, dubias, butterworms, etc). After a molt, we do not feed or handle for 2 weeks. Our adults are fed 1 cricket or…

American Crow

Corvus brachyrynchos Order: Passeriformes Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Diet Requirements Fruit and vegetables, seeds, nuts, low-iron softbill diet, harboiled eggs, crickets, mealworms, ground meat, mice. Veterinary Concerns Notes on Enrichment & Training Other Colony or Breeding Management   Individual Identification   Programmatic Information Transportation Temperature Guidelines   Crating: Tips on Presentation Touching Techniques Tips on…

Red River Hog

Potamochoerus porcus Order: Artiodactyla Husbandry Information Housing Requirements An enclosure that is proof against extensive rooting and general destruction. No exposed or buried pipes or wires. Square footage is important as this is a terrestrial animal. Some like spacious caves or overhangs. Heat in cool temperatures. May or may not enjoy pools/mud wallows. Diet Requirements…

Sugar glider

Petaurus breviceps Order: Marsupialia Husbandry Information Housing Requirements A multi-level enclosure with a variety of climbing structures can help provide exercise. Diet Requirements In the wild, sugar gliders eat sap, blossoms, nectar, insects, and small invertebrates. In captivity, sugar gliders are fed baby juice, sugar glider biscuits, crickets, mealworms, fruits, and vegetables. Veterinary Concerns Notes on…

Greater Hedgehog Tenrec

Setifer setosus Order: Afrosoricida Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Diet Requirements Veterinary Concerns Notes on Enrichment & Training Other Colony or Breeding Management Notes species is housed or managed socially or for breeding purposes. Individual Identification Dimorphism or practiced ways to individually mark species (such as those in colonies, like giant millipedes). Programmatic Information Transportation Temperature Guidelines…