North American Kestrel

Falco sparverius Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae Overview Males are easily distinguished from females by their size (males are smaller) and their slate blue wings (females have brown wings). Kestrels possess a pair of false eye spots, or ocelli, on the nape of their neck. These dark circles are thought to be a form of protective…

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.

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…

Green-winged Macaw

Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Contact the Parrot TAG for availability of macaws through AZA facilities. Macaws do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned…

Indian Walking Stick

Carausius morosus Order: Phasmatodea Husbandry Information Housing Requirements A double tank system is better as they are excellent climbers. Screening should be fine mesh. Taller tanks are preferred to provide adequate climbing space. Coconut bedding or Soil can be used for substrate if you prefer, however, after any substrate changes, old soil should be frozen at…

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…

Hingeback Tortoise (Home’s)

Kinixys homeana Order: Testudines Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Enclosure 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 18 inches tall can house up to three or four adults. Provide ample hides Temperature, Humidity, & Lighting: Temperature: These tortoises are not big fans of intense lighting, so use a ceramic heat emitter to create a basking spot of about…

Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Contact the Parrot TAG for availability of macaws through AZA facilities. Macaws do not need to be hand-reared from hatch to make good ambassador birds, in fact, allowing birds to remain with their parents until weaned…

Argentine Black and White Tegu

Tupinambis merianae Order:   Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Fresh water from the tap is fine. Remove any feces that appear. Monitor temps/humidity. Heavily mist holding area 3 times a week. Animal can be placed in a shallow tub of room temperature water twice a week for a soak. No need to soak longer than 15…