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AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON FOUNDATION / ANIMAL AMBASSADORS
MEET OUR ANIMAL AMBASSADORS!
These unique animals are available for you to see, touch (most of them) and explore while visiting the Discovery Center as a guest, onsite for an educational program or during your Birthday Celebration! Learn about what part of the world they are native to, their favorite treat and so much more.
Can't make it to the Discovery Center? Consider booking a virtual program such as our Awesome Agua Animals or Virtual Birthday Parties to see these friendly faces through the screen.
Sign our waiver to hold and pet our critters
Tortie/Sulcata Tortoise
Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: I am the biggest tortoise at the Discovery Center. I am a Sulcata Tortoise and I am only 12 years old, but I can live to be 150 years old. Just imagine how big I will be 100 years from now!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, I am way too heavy!
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: I am the biggest tortoise at the Discovery Center. I am a Sulcata Tortoise and I am only 12 years old, but I can live to be 150 years old. Just imagine how big I will be 100 years from now!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, I am way too heavy!
Tommy/Sulcata Tortoise
Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: I am only a year old, but I am growing fast! One day I will be even bigger than Tortie. Set me down to see how fast I can run. Wanna race?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: I am only a year old, but I am growing fast! One day I will be even bigger than Tortie. Set me down to see how fast I can run. Wanna race?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Leo/Sulcata Tortoise
Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: You can usually find me napping under my favorite log. I am an Ivory Sulcata Tortoise, so I am a slightly different color from the other tortoises here. Come to the Discovery Center to check out my pretty shell.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Other Common Names: African Spurred Tortoise
BIO: You can usually find me napping under my favorite log. I am an Ivory Sulcata Tortoise, so I am a slightly different color from the other tortoises here. Come to the Discovery Center to check out my pretty shell.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Spikey/Red-Footed Tortoise
Scientific name: Chelonoidis carbonaria
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center and so excited to have friends like Tommy and Leo by my side! I am the only tortoise at the Discovery Center that eats bugs like snails and worms!
CAN YOU HOLD ME: I am too heavy to hold, but you are welcome to pet my shell!
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center and so excited to have friends like Tommy and Leo by my side! I am the only tortoise at the Discovery Center that eats bugs like snails and worms!
CAN YOU HOLD ME: I am too heavy to hold, but you are welcome to pet my shell!
Sandy Grand Baker/Red-Eared Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Other Common Names: Red-eared Terrapin
BIO: I am not a sea turtle, but I was found on the beach at the end of Grand Avenue! A nice family found me and brought me to the Discovery Center; their last name was Baker. I am much happier, and a lot less “sandy” than I was the day they found me. This is how I got the name Sandy Grand Baker.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No. But you can see me swimming in my new outdoor habitat, Sanders Pond.
Other Common Names: Red-eared Terrapin
BIO: I am not a sea turtle, but I was found on the beach at the end of Grand Avenue! A nice family found me and brought me to the Discovery Center; their last name was Baker. I am much happier, and a lot less “sandy” than I was the day they found me. This is how I got the name Sandy Grand Baker.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No. But you can see me swimming in my new outdoor habitat, Sanders Pond.
Goonie/Red-eared Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Other Common Names: Red-Eared Terrapin
BIO: When I'm not swimming around, I like to bask in the warm sunlight. Come see me outdoors in my new extra large habitat, Sanders Pond.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Other Common Names: Red-Eared Terrapin
BIO: When I'm not swimming around, I like to bask in the warm sunlight. Come see me outdoors in my new extra large habitat, Sanders Pond.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Cheyene and Charlotte/African CommonToad
Scientific Name: Sclerophrys regularis
Other Common Names: Square-marked Toad
BIO: We are African Toads, and we spend most of our day underground. If you hold us, make sure you wash your hands after, because our skin has a special poison on it that can make the other animals here sick. That poison is what keeps us safe from predators in the wild!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Other Common Names: Square-marked Toad
BIO: We are African Toads, and we spend most of our day underground. If you hold us, make sure you wash your hands after, because our skin has a special poison on it that can make the other animals here sick. That poison is what keeps us safe from predators in the wild!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Hoppy/Baja Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Pseudacris hypochondriaca
Other Common Names: Baja California chorus frog
BIO: We are local Tree Frogs, so you can find little frogs like us in your backyard garden. We like to hide so it might be hard for you to find us in here. If you happen to be at the Discovery Center at dusk, you can hear us croak!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, we might hop away.
Other Common Names: Baja California chorus frog
BIO: We are local Tree Frogs, so you can find little frogs like us in your backyard garden. We like to hide so it might be hard for you to find us in here. If you happen to be at the Discovery Center at dusk, you can hear us croak!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, we might hop away.
Remy/Ball Python
Scientific Name: Python regius
Other Common Names: Royal Python
BIO: I am a Ball Python, a special type of snake that used to be worn as a necklace by kings and queens. Would you like to try wearing me on your neck?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Other Common Names: Royal Python
BIO: I am a Ball Python, a special type of snake that used to be worn as a necklace by kings and queens. Would you like to try wearing me on your neck?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Rosy/Rosy Boa
Scientific Name: Lichanura trivirgata
BIO: I am a native reptile, so there are a lot of snakes like me all around the lagoon. I am named for my shiny pinkish scales.
CAN YOU HOLD ME: Yes. I am considered the most docile snake around.
BIO: I am a native reptile, so there are a lot of snakes like me all around the lagoon. I am named for my shiny pinkish scales.
CAN YOU HOLD ME: Yes. I am considered the most docile snake around.
Sally/Salmon Boa Constrictor
Scientific Name: Boidae
Other Common Names: Salmon Red Tail Boa
BIO: Come to the Discovery Center and check me out. I have pretty pink scales, which is why I am called a Salmon Boa Constrictor. I like to be left alone, so please just look.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Other Common Names: Salmon Red Tail Boa
BIO: Come to the Discovery Center and check me out. I have pretty pink scales, which is why I am called a Salmon Boa Constrictor. I like to be left alone, so please just look.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Caulerpa (Cali)/Veiled Chameleon
Scientific name: Chamaeleo calyptratus
Other common names: Cone head chameleon, and Yemen chameleon
Bio: Come see what color I am today! When I am feeling happy, I am a pretty green color, similar to Caluerpa taxifolia, the killer algae that almost took over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon! Come to the Discovery Center to learn how the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation was able to eradicate this invasive plant.
Can you hold me? Not yet, I am still getting used to my new home.
Other common names: Cone head chameleon, and Yemen chameleon
Bio: Come see what color I am today! When I am feeling happy, I am a pretty green color, similar to Caluerpa taxifolia, the killer algae that almost took over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon! Come to the Discovery Center to learn how the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation was able to eradicate this invasive plant.
Can you hold me? Not yet, I am still getting used to my new home.
Jack/Crested Gecko
Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
Other Common Names: Eyelash Gecko
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center but I love it here! I get to hang out with Pilot all day and I love to be held by new friends. I look very different from my friend Pilot, so come see my fancy stripes!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Other Common Names: Eyelash Gecko
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center but I love it here! I get to hang out with Pilot all day and I love to be held by new friends. I look very different from my friend Pilot, so come see my fancy stripes!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Pilot/Crested Gecko
Scientific Name: Correlophus ciliatus
Other Common Names: Eyelash Gecko
BIO: I got my name because I like to fly through the sky. If you hold me I might jump on you the same way I leap through the trees in my habitat. I can also change colors to match my surroundings. Look for me hiding under a leaf!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Other Common Names: Eyelash Gecko
BIO: I got my name because I like to fly through the sky. If you hold me I might jump on you the same way I leap through the trees in my habitat. I can also change colors to match my surroundings. Look for me hiding under a leaf!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Calypso/Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
BIO: I am nocturnal, so I will probably be sleeping when you come visit me. But don’t be afraid to wake me up, I love to meet new people!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
BIO: I am nocturnal, so I will probably be sleeping when you come visit me. But don’t be afraid to wake me up, I love to meet new people!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Rex/Red Uromastyx
Scientific Name: Uromastyx geyri
Other Common Names: Saharan Uromastyx
BIO: I like to be left alone most of the time, but come by and see the awesome red and black patterns on my scales. I am happy to show off. Some people think I look like a little dinosaur because of my spiky tail.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Other Common Names: Saharan Uromastyx
BIO: I like to be left alone most of the time, but come by and see the awesome red and black patterns on my scales. I am happy to show off. Some people think I look like a little dinosaur because of my spiky tail.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No.
Jazz/Albino Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
BIO: I am an Albino Leopard Gecko. I am the most active and wiggly Leopard Gecko here, and I get super excited when someone wants to hold me! Just be careful, I might get a little too excited and wiggle right out of your hands.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
BIO: I am an Albino Leopard Gecko. I am the most active and wiggly Leopard Gecko here, and I get super excited when someone wants to hold me! Just be careful, I might get a little too excited and wiggle right out of your hands.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Cracker and Jelly/Leatherback Bearded Dragons
Scientific Name: Pogona
BIO: We are only a year old, and we love to explore. We are very active and like to climb on all the fun toys in our home! You can tell us apart by the lengths of our tails.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
BIO: We are only a year old, and we love to explore. We are very active and like to climb on all the fun toys in our home! You can tell us apart by the lengths of our tails.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Buddy/Leopard Gecko
Scientific name: Eublepharis macularius
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center and excited to meet you!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center and excited to meet you!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes
Sal/Southern Alligator Lizard
Scientific Name: Elgaria multicarinata
BIO: I am a local reptile, so you might see an Alligator Lizard like me while out on a hike. But if you do, don’t try to catch them, because we don’t like to be held and sometimes react with a friendly bite.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
BIO: I am a local reptile, so you might see an Alligator Lizard like me while out on a hike. But if you do, don’t try to catch them, because we don’t like to be held and sometimes react with a friendly bite.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Petunia and Dolly/ Guinea Pigs
Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus
Other Common Names: Domestic Cavy
BIO: I love to cuddle and be pet right behind my ears. My favorite snack is carrots, and I might mistake your fingers for a special treat, so I suggest not sticking them in my home.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Other Common Names: Domestic Cavy
BIO: I love to cuddle and be pet right behind my ears. My favorite snack is carrots, and I might mistake your fingers for a special treat, so I suggest not sticking them in my home.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Celerity/Peregrine Falcon
Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
Other Common Names: Peregrine
BIO: I am the fastest animal on Earth! Well, I would be if I didn't have a bad wing... But I bet I am the only Peregrine Falcon in San Diego with their very own swing!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Other Common Names: Peregrine
BIO: I am the fastest animal on Earth! Well, I would be if I didn't have a bad wing... But I bet I am the only Peregrine Falcon in San Diego with their very own swing!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Blue/American Kestrel
Scientific Name: Falco sparverius
Other Common Names: Sparrow Hawk
BIO: It may look like I want to come out and play with you, but I am really just hoping you brought me a snack. I am an imprint so I never really “left the nest” which is why I rely on people to feed me. Are there any mice in your purse?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Other Common Names: Sparrow Hawk
BIO: It may look like I want to come out and play with you, but I am really just hoping you brought me a snack. I am an imprint so I never really “left the nest” which is why I rely on people to feed me. Are there any mice in your purse?
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Tecolote/Western Screech-Owl
Scientific Name: Megascops kennicottii
BIO: I may be small but I am not a baby! I am the 3rd smallest owl species in San Diego. Come see me at the Discovery Center, even though I won't be able to see you very well with these bad eyes.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
BIO: I may be small but I am not a baby! I am the 3rd smallest owl species in San Diego. Come see me at the Discovery Center, even though I won't be able to see you very well with these bad eyes.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Who/Great Horned Owl
Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
Other Common Names: Tiger Owl
BIO: It may look like I’m winking at you but I'm not flirting, I just have a bad eye. Want to have a one-eyed staring contest? I bet I’ll win!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Other Common Names: Tiger Owl
BIO: It may look like I’m winking at you but I'm not flirting, I just have a bad eye. Want to have a one-eyed staring contest? I bet I’ll win!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Animal Portraits by Christina McGoldrick and Andy Putnam
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