ambassador animals
Meet the STARS of our education programs! While most of our animals are visible to the public within the Aquarium, we have another collection of education animal ambassadors that can only be seen during special education programs and shows. Join us for up-close experiences at our outdoor stage, in our exhibit and other locations on property to learn about wildlife. Our animal keepers will help you connect with these amazing animals through incredible animal interactions.
MAMMALS
african servals
Leptailurus serval
The African serval is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, known for its striking appearance and remarkable agility. With long legs, large ears, and a slender build, the serval is well-adapted to savanna habitats. Servals are exceptional hunters, using their acute sense of hearing to locate prey, whichtypicallyincludes rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. They are capable of leaping over 2 meters (~6 ½ feet) into the air to catch birds in flight.
ISIS
Born in July 2006, is a graceful and wise serval. With her sleek coat and keen senses, she captivates everyone she meets. Known for her calm demeanor and patience, Isis enjoys basking in the sun and observing her surroundings.
SETH
Born in September 2023, Seth is a playful and energetic serval known for his spirited nature and impressive leaping abilities. He loves exploring his surroundings and playing with his sister, Layla.
LAYLA
Born in September 2023, Layla is a graceful and inquisitive serval, always eager to explore her surroundings and investigate new enrichment. Layla can often be found lounging in her favorite spots, observing the world around her or chasing after her brother, Seth.
CRESTED PORCUPINE
Hystrix cristata
The crested porcupine is one of the largest rodent species in the world. These fascinating creatures are easily recognizable by their impressive black and white quills, which can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length.
Porcupines cannot shoot their quills. This is a common myth! Instead, their quills are loosely attached and can easily detach when a predator comes into contact with them. The quills serve as a powerful defense mechanism, capable of inflicting serious injury
to potential predators.
DEXTER
Dexter, our charming African Crested Porcupine, was born in November 2021 and delights visitors with his curious nature and impressive quills. Dexter’s favorite activities include foraging for treats and engaging in enrichment activities that stimulate his natural behaviors
southern three banded armadillo
Tolypeutes matacus
The southern three-banded armadillo is a fascinating creature native to South America. Unlike other armadillos, this species can roll into a near-perfect ball to protect itself from predators, making its armored shell nearly impenetrable. These armadillos are solitary omnivores, primarily feeding on insects like ants and termites, but they also enjoy fruits and vegetables. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
ALEJANDRO
Alejandro, affectionately known as “AJ,” was born in July 2017. AJ’s favorite activities include exploring his habitat and foraging for tasty snacks. His charming personality, playful antics, and educational role make him a beloved member of our Aquarium family.
BIRDS OF PREY
eurasian eagle owl
Bubo bubo
The Eurasian eagle owl is one of the largest and most powerful owl species in the world. Known for their striking orange eyes and prominent ear tufts, these majestic birds have a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet! They are formidable hunters, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents, birds, and even small mammals. Their coloring provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitats, which range from dense forests to rocky landscapes across Europe and Asia.
BUCKY
Bucky was born in April 2015. With his calm and observant nature, Bucky often perches quietly, taking in his surroundings with a keen eye. Bucky is primarily nocturnal, taking advantage of his excellent night vision to hunt in the dark. He has remarkable eyesight and hearing, allowing him to detect even the faintest movements and sounds from a distance.
PARROTS
RED FRONTED MACAW
Ara rubrogenys
The red-fronted macaw is a medium-sized parrot native to the semi-desert mountainous regions of Bolivia. This critically endangered species is known for its vibrant colors and striking appearance. They nest on steep cliffs and canyons where they forage for seeds, fruits, and nuts. Their specialized habitat makes them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities, with estimates suggesting fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. By visiting and learning about Chuckles, our red-fronted macaw, you are supporting conservation efforts to protect these amazing birds.
CHUCKLES
Born in January 1998, Chuckles and has been a cherished member of the Aquarium family for many years and is known for his playful and quirky personality. Chuckles loves to interact with guests and show off his singing skills. His lively and engaging nature makes him a favorite in our educational programs.
green winged MACAW
Ara rubrogenys
Green winged macaws are one of the largest and most colorful parrot species, known for their bright red feathers and green bands on their wings. They are native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where they are perfectly adapted to life in the rainforest canopy. These macaws are intelligent and social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They have strong beaks that help them crack open nuts and seeds, which form a large part of their diet.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday was born in 1997 and is known for his inquisitive nature and wide range of vocals and vocabulary. His playful behavior and vocalizations always bring a smile to both our guests and staff.
LEWIS
Lewis was born in 1998 and has an adventurous spirit. He is very active and is an avid climber, often scaling branches and ropes with ease using his strong beak and specialized feet. He also enjoys interacting with guests and showing off his impressive wingspan for unique photo opportunities
BLUE & YELLOW MACAW
Ara ararauna
Blue and yellow macaws are easily recognizable by their vibrant blue wings and tail, bright yellow belly, and green forehead. Native to the rainforests of South America, these macaws are commonly found in the Amazon Basin. They are highly social and intelligent birds, often seen flying in pairs or small flocks, communicating with each other through loud, distinctive calls.
ELMO
Elmo, a stunning blue and yellow macaw, was born in July 1996. She is known for her gentle demeanor and enjoys calmly observing the environment around her. Elmo is relatively new to the Aquarium family and is being slowly introduced to the public.
WATSON
Watson, born in July 1996, loves being the center of attention. He is known for his playful nature and impressive (and very loud) vocalizations. He is intelligent and has a knack for solving puzzles and loves playing with his enrichment.
lESSER SULFUR CRESTED COCKATOO
Cacatua sulphurea
Lesser sulfur crested cockatoos are small parrots known for their white feathers and distinctive yellow crest on their head, which they raise when excited or alarmed. These birds are native to the forests on Indonesia. Like all parrots, they are highly intelligent and social. Their curious and playful nature makes them popular pets, but unfortunately this demand, along with habitat loss, has led to a significant decline in their wild population, making them an endangered species.
DOMINIC
Dominic, our lively cockatoo, was born in September 1997 and is a beloved member of the Aquarium family. With her bright yellow crest and expressive personality, Dominic loves to capture the attention of guests. She is a skilled flyer and enjoys showing off her flying skills during presentations, soaring gracefully from perch to perch.
SALMON CRESTED COCKATOO
Cacatua sulphurea
Salmon crested cockatoos, also known as Moluccan cockatoos, are large parrots known for their beautiful white feathers tinged with a pinkish hue and the impressive crest of feathers on their head that can range from salmon pink to bright coral. Native to the forests of the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, these cockatoos thrive in humid, tropical environments. With their powerful beaks, they can easily crack open nuts and seeds, their primary food sources, along with fruits and berries. They are known for being extremely loud, with their vocalizations reaching up to 135 decibels –comparable to a jet engine at close range.
BB
BB, our charming salmon crested cockatoo, was born in July 2003. Known for his vibrant pink crest and friendly personality, BB loves interacting with guests and showing off his playful side. BB is quite the vocalist, often mimicking sounds and “talking” to his keepers.
REPTILES
MAX - THREE TOED BOX TURTLE
Terrapene carolina triunguis
Max is one of our oldest Ambassador Animals, at 17 years old. Three-toed box turtles are known for their distinctive three toes on each hind foot and their ability to completely close their shell. Max is a gentle and curious turtle who enjoys exploring his enclosure and interacting with Guests. His longevity and calm nature make him a beloved member of our ambassador team.
COSMO - RUSSIAN TORTOISE
Testudo horsfieldii
Cosmonaut, Cosmo for short, is a hardy and resilient tortoise with a charming personality. Russian tortoises are native to the dry steppes of Russia and Central Asia and are known for their ability to withstand harsh conditions. Cosmo loves basking in the sun and digging in his substrate. His adventurous spirit and engaging behavior make him a favorite with our younger Guests.
DIJON - Yellow-Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis denticulate
Dijon is a staff favorite with his vibrant yellow markings on his legs and shell. Yellow-footed tortoises are native to the tropical forests of South America and are known for their colorful appearance and gentle nature. Dijon enjoys munching on fresh fruits and vegetables and exploring his surroundings. He can often be found exploring the grounds with our Educators in tow.
SNOWBALL - BALL PYTHON
Python regius
Snowball (pictured) is a staff favorite and a true beauty. With her striking white coloration and mesmerizing silver-blue eyes, she captivates everyone she meets. Snowball is known for her calm and gentle demeanor, making her an excellent ambassador for snakes. She loves to curl up and relax, and she's always ready to meet new friends.
PICO - CENTRAL AMERICAN MILKSNAKE
Lampropeltis polyzona
Pico is a vibrant and energetic snake with bold red, black, and yellow bands. Central American milksnakes are known for their mimicry of the venomous coral snake, but Pico is completely harmless. His striking appearance and lively personality make him a standout in our collection.
STAN - ROUGH SCALED SAND BOA
Eryx conicus
Stan is a unique and fascinating snake with rough, keeled scales that give him a distinctive texture. Sand boas are known for their burrowing behavior, and Stan loves to dig and hide in his substrate. His curious nature and interesting appearance make him a favorite among Guests.
KNUCKLES - PREHENSILE-TAILED SKINK
Corucia zebrata
Knuckles is a remarkable lizard with a tail that acts like a fifth limb, allowing him to grasp and hold onto branches. Prehensile-tailed skinks are native to the Solomon Islands and are known for their arboreal lifestyle. Knuckles is a curious and engaging ambassador, often seen climbing and exploring his perching with ease.
PHARAOH - ORNATE UROMASTYX
Uromastyx ornate
Pharaoh is a stunning lizard with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Ornate uromastyx are desert dwellers, known for their hardy nature and unique appearance. Pharaoh enjoys basking under his heat lamp and showing off his spikey tail.
ARACHNIDS
CHILEAN ROSE-HAIR TARANTULA
Grammostola rosea
MORTICIA
Morticia is a favorite among our Educators and a captivating presence for our young Guests. With her striking rose-colored hairs and calm demeanor, Morticia helps dispel myths and fears about spiders. Chilean rose-haired tarantulas are known for their gentle nature, and Morticia is no exception. She plays a vital role in our educational programs, allowing Guests to learn about the fascinating world of arachnids.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
ANIMAL SHOWS
Join us for daily animal presentations, fish feedings, tiger talks, surprise animal appearances and more!
PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Meet and greets with our Ambassador Animals like our Servals, Birds, Reptiles, even Tigers are available! Sign up for an exclusive up close encounter today!
