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.

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…

Eurasian Eagle Owl

Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae (typical owls) This species is the largest of the Eagle Owls, and largest owl in the world.  Overview This impressive bird is the largest species of owl in the world. Many facilities present this animal both on the glove or in free-flight shows, and it is…

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…

Barn Owl

Barn Owl Tyto Alba Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Overview Although often readily available through wildlife rehabilitation sources, barn owls are not a beginner owl, and acquisition of one should only be considered if facility has experienced handlers. Many facilities have noted they are more challenging than other owl species due to their naturally secretive nature….

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,…

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae Overview While many facilities recommend saw-whet 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,…

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Overview Although often readily available through wildlife rehabilitation sources, previously wild, adult great horned owls can be challenging to manage while maintaining good welfare, even for the most experienced handlers. To maximize lifelong welfare of an owl that is going to participate in ambassador animal programs,…

Spectacled Owl

Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Overview Raised correctly, spectacled owls are reported to make excellent glove birds for educational programming. To maximize lifelong welfare of an owl that is going to participate in ambassador animal programs, and as such be exposed to close contact with humans and a variety of stimuli that…