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
Animal Portraits by Christina McGoldrick and Andy Putnam
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
King Julian /California Kingsnake
Scientific name: Lampropeltis getula california
Bio: The tire snake out by the trail is painted to look like a native California Kingsnake like me! I am still too young to hold, but I can't wait to come out to play with you when I get a little bigger!
Can you hold me? Not yet, I am still getting used to my new home.
Bio: The tire snake out by the trail is painted to look like a native California Kingsnake like me! I am still too young to hold, but I can't wait to come out to play with you when I get a little bigger!
Can you hold me? Not yet, I am still getting used to my new home.
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.
DJ/Albino Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
BIO: I am an Albino Leopard Gecko, so I look a little different from Calypso. I am also the only female Leopard Gecko at the Discovery Center!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
BIO: I am an Albino Leopard Gecko, so I look a little different from Calypso. I am also the only female Leopard Gecko at the Discovery Center!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
Winston/Bearded Dragon
Scientific Name: Pogona
BIO: I am the oldest Bearded Dragon at the Discovery Center, and I have lived here since I was just an egg. My favorite thing to do is sleep.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
BIO: I am the oldest Bearded Dragon at the Discovery Center, and I have lived here since I was just an egg. My favorite thing to do is sleep.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? Yes.
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.
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.
Tiffany/Desert Tarantula
Scientific Name: Aphonopelma chalcodes
Other Common Names: Arizona blond tarantula
BIO: A lot of people are scared of spiders, but we don't want to bother you. I have hair just like you! Come check out the cool exoskeleton from my last molt.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Other Common Names: Arizona blond tarantula
BIO: A lot of people are scared of spiders, but we don't want to bother you. I have hair just like you! Come check out the cool exoskeleton from my last molt.
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No
Jazz/ Albino Leopard Gecko
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
BIO: I am an Albino Leopard Gecko like DJ. 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 like DJ. 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.
Benji and Brandy/Baja Tree Frogs
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.
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.
Snow White/ Winter White Dwarf Hamster
Scientific name: Phodopus sungorus
Other Common Names: Russian Dwarf Hamster
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center, and I am not used to being held yet. I love to run fast on my wheels and burrow under the bedding in my habitat. I am good at hiding so come see if you can find me under all this fluffy stuff!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, I am not used to people yet
Other Common Names: Russian Dwarf Hamster
BIO: I am new to the Discovery Center, and I am not used to being held yet. I love to run fast on my wheels and burrow under the bedding in my habitat. I am good at hiding so come see if you can find me under all this fluffy stuff!
CAN YOU HOLD ME? No, I am not used to people yet
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