What is an ambassador animal?

An ambassador animal is a live, human-socialized animal used to represent its species, its ecosystem, or idea for educational programs, outreach events, or classroom presentations. These animals provide a tactile, visual, and often emotional point of connection for learners. These animals are not pets or props, and their welfare must be prioritized. This includes careful attention to their physical and psychological needs, minimizing stress, providing enrichment, and ensuring that their participation in programs is voluntary and humane. In essence, an ambassador animal is a living bridge between humans and nature. It helps convey complex ecological realities through a single, memorable experience, often becoming the "face" of an entire ecosystem or conservation issue. When used responsibly, ambassador animals can be among the most powerful tools in an educator's kit—fostering curiosity, compassion, and action. 

Interested in meeting them face to face? Here is my roster of past and present ambassador animals you can expect to see during my programs:

Animal Welfare Note

The safety and well-being of my ambassador animals is my top priority. Before any interaction, clear expectations will be set and upheld to ensure a respectful and safe environment. If these expectations are not met, or if an animal shows signs of stress, it may be temporarily or prematurely put away. This is a proactive safety measure - stressed animals are more likely to bite, sting, or display other defensive behaviors, and removing them helps protect both the animal and those around it. 

Hazardous Animal Notice ⚠️ 

Ambassadors marked with a warning (⚠️) symbol have a venomous bite/sting or other defense mechanism that may not be suited for all audiences. The venom of my animals hold no medical significance to most people but may have a stronger affect on the young, elderly, or immune compromised. As a safety precaution, venomous animals may not be touched or held by anyone but myself.

Please note that the availability of any animal can change at a moments notice. Do not expect any specific ambassador as their health and safety is my top priority.