Animal ambassadors play a crucial role in educational programming by providing unique, up-close experiences that help people connect with wildlife. These animals help raise awareness about conservation, inspire empathy for endangered species, and make learning about the natural world more engaging and memorable. Through their presence, they foster a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wildlife and the importance of protecting our planet.
Animals become ambassadors through specialized training, socialization, and acclimation to human interaction, with their well-being as a priority. Many are rehabilitated from injuries or trauma, gaining a second chance to inspire and educate on conservation. We operate under strict USDA-compliant permits, ensuring top-tier animal welfare and ethical standards for both animals and visitors.
Meet Some of Our Ambassadors
Tripod
Species: Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)
Hatch year: ~ 2000Her Story
Background:
Tripod, a female Ornate Box Turtle, was found brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center after an accident that left her without a front right leg. Due to her missing leg, which makes it challenging for her to dig, forage, or protect herself, it became clear that her injury was too severe for her to return to the wild.
Life Today:
Living at the Great Plains Nature Center, Tripod is now an ambassador for her species, helping educate the public about the challenges that wild turtles face, the importance of habitat preservation, and the impact of accidents on wildlife. Though she cannot be released, Tripod still goes out on programs and allows the public to get an up-close encounter with Kansas’s state reptile.
Teeto
Species: American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Hatch year: 2016
His Story
Background:
Teeto was illegally taken from his nest as a hatchling and exposed to humans at an early age, which caused him to become imprinted on them. Teeto was eventually discovered and rescued by wildlife authorities, who transferred him to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility. Despite the best efforts of the rehab team to restore his natural instincts, Teeto was deemed non-releasable. His imprinting on humans made it unlikely that he would ever be able to hunt, find mates, or live safely in the wild without human intervention.
Life Today:
Now a permanent resident of the Great Plains Nature Center, Teeto helps educate the public about the importance of protecting wildlife and the consequences of human interference. Though Teeto will never know the natural freedom he was meant to have, his presence fosters awareness and inspires advocacy for the protection of wild birds.
Wu
Species: Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)
Hatch Year: 2009
His Story
Background:
Wu is a Speckled Kingsnake whose black and yellow body led to him being named after WuShock, Wichita State University's mascot who shares his same colors. Despite their bright colors, speckled kingsnakes are not venomous or harmful to humans. Wu visits classrooms, libraries, and community events, giving audiences the chance to look up-close and sometimes even gently feel his scales.
Like most snakes, Wu is curious and active. When he is not on programs meeting new people, he spends most of his time climbing throughout his enclosure. To keep his mind and body active, naturalists are always adding new decorations, toys, and smells to his enclosure, called enrichment.
Tim
Species: Woodhouse's Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)
Hatch Year: Unknown (collected as an adult in 2019)
His Story
Background:
Tim is a Woodhouse’s Toad, which are common across Kansas and can be heard near ponds and wetlands in spring and summer. When he isn’t bathing in his water dish or looking for his next meal, Tim spends much of his time burrowing into his substrate, just as he would in the wild.
In the wild, they play a key role in the ecosystem by eating insects and serving as food for birds, snakes, and mammals. Because amphibians absorb water and oxygen through their skin, they are especially sensitive to pollution and environmental change, making them important indicators of habitat health.
Tony
Species: Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium)
Hatch Year: 2021
His Story
Background:
Tony is a Barred Tiger Salamander who hatched in 2021. Despite being the state amphibian of Kansas, most people have never seen a Barred Tiger Salamander as they live underground and are mostly active at night and during rainy weather. At the nature center, visitors get the chance to see Tony’s smooth, wet skin and bright yellow spots up-close.
Oskaar
Species: Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)
Hatch Year: May 2014
Her Story
Background:
Oskaar was found as a hatchling on the ground after the tree with her nest was cut down. She was taken into a wildlife rehabilitation facility, where she recovered from the accident but imprinted on humans. Although she is physically fit to live outside, her lack of natural instincts and reliance on humans has made her unable to be released. Oskaar currently lives off exhibit at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit while the GPNC building is under construction.
Darth Maul
Species: Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene triunguis)
Hatch Year: Unknown (rescued as an adult)
His Story
Background:
With his bright red eyes and beautiful orange markings, you might not notice the cracks on his shell. Before arriving at the nature center, Darth Maul was injured by a dog, whose teeth damaged his scutes, exposing the bone beneath. While Daul Maul was able to recover, many turtles in Kansas are not so lucky. Dogs attacking wildlife is a sad but common story, and another reason why dogs should remain leased when in wild spaces.
