As with any species, variation in individual temperament must be taken into account when selecting ambassador animals. However, when desensitized to humans at an early age, these large, charismatic rodents can be excellent program animals. They have many interesting adaptations and teaching facts that can be tied to conservation messaging; and they are generally food motivated, which allows for positive, choice-based presentations.
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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 widely from individual to individual.
Read moreHooded Vulture Coragyps atratus Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae Overview With regard to their availability and suitability as ambassador animals: Hooded vultures are an SSP species so if you are an AZA zoo it is recommended that you first contact the SSP coordinator. With good training, this species can be reliable in both flighted and non-flighted situations. Due to their natural
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Sceloporus cyanogenys Order: Squamata Husbandry Information Housing Requirements 30-50 gallon sized enclosure, at least. In daytime, need a basking spot of 100-108°F or more (daytime only), with general hot side temps between 88°F, and a cooler side around 80°F. Nighttime temp around 70-80 degrees. Use a temperature gun to check for variation. Provide a pile of rocks under the basking spot,
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Uromastyx spp. Order: Squamata Husbandry Information Housing Requirements In daytime, need a basking spot of 120°F or more, with general hot side temps between 100-110°F, and a cooler side around 80°F. Nighttime temp around 70 degrees. Use a temperature gun to check for variation. Provide a pile of rocks under the basking spot, preferably also with a cave, to act as
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Pogona vitticeps Order: Squamata Husbandry Information Housing Requirements Preferred body temperature is about 88 degrees Fahrenheit. This species can be successfully housed in large glass aquariums (40 gal minimum), neodesha type enclosures or Vision Cages. This species likes to climb so provide multiple opportunities and a hide box is required. Supplementary heat and UV lighting must be provided. ReptiSun 5.0 is
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