Our Animals Ambassadors
The Real Stars of Animal Cwtch – Our Animal Ambassadors!
At Animal Cwtch, we know that while we love what we do, it’s the animals that people come to see! Our incredible animal ambassadors are the heart of every encounter—each with their own big personalities, quirks, and charm. From gentle reptiles and curious mammals to feathery companions and tiny critters, our animals help us create unforgettable moments that inspire respect, learning, and connection.
Each one of these superstars plays an important role in what we do, and trust us, they know they’re the real VIPs!
Get to know them, fall in love, and see why an Animal Cwtch experience is like no other!
Birds – The Feathery Celebrities
Penny – The Quaker Parrot
Penny might be small, but she has a BIG personality—and she knows she’s a star. Whether she’s chatting, quacking, or just being nosy, she’s always up to something. While she’s a little shy in public, you can catch her non-stop chatter on our social media!
If she does decide to talk, be sure to listen closely—you might hear her say “peek-a-boo”, “good girl Penny”, or “love you” if you’re lucky! And if you’re wearing a pirate hat, don’t be surprised if she seems a little more interested in you—are you a pirate?
👉 Why meet her? Penny is full of personality, loved by many, and always a favourite—if she lets you hear her chatter, consider yourself lucky! Check out Videos of her talking on our social media pages!
Jemima - The duck
Jemima thinks she’s in charge—and to be fair, she kind of is! With a waddling strut and a loud, bossy quack, she makes sure everyone knows exactly what she wants. She adores being smoothed and fed, and if you have food, she’ll be your best friend in an instant.
She has an unbreakable bond with Kevin, following him everywhere and quacking loudly if she thinks he’s ignoring her. If you hear a duck demanding attention at one of our events, it’s definitely Jemima!
👉 Why meet her? If you love animals with attitude, Jemima will have you laughing and charmed within minutes!
Nando, Skuttle, Kuntukey & Dove – The Feathered Charmers
This feathery flock is full of personality! Each one has their own quirks, but they all share a love of attention, treats, and a good cuddle. Unlike some of our other birds, these chickens can fly, so they aren’t suited for all spaces—but when they’re in the right setting, they’re absolute stars!
They adore human interaction and will happily perch on an arm or snuggle in for a fuss. If you’ve never thought of chickens as affectionate, these four will change your mind in an instant!
👉 Why meet them? If you love gentle, interactive animals, our cuddly chickens are sure to steal your heart! Just watch out—they might try to hop onto your shoulder!
The Quail Crew – Tiny but Full of Charm!
Our quail may be small, but they make up for it with their curious and affectionate nature. Unlike their chicken cousins, they prefer to stay closer to the ground, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love attention! They enjoy gentle handling and will happily snuggle into warm hands once they feel safe.
Their soft feathers, tiny size, and adorable chirps make them a favorite for those who love delicate, interactive animals. Just be careful—they’re quick on their feet and can surprise you with a little flutter if they decide to take off!
👉 Why meet them? If you love small, gentle animals, our quail will win you over with their cuteness and calm nature!
Coming Soon - Owl
A new and exciting addition to the Animal Cwtch family coming soon Spring 2025.
Our Feathered Family – More Than Just the Stars of the Show
At Animal Cwtch, we care for many birds, including some who have been rescued and given a safe, loving home. While many of our birds love meeting new people, not all animals are suited to public events—or simply prefer a quieter life! These birds remain at home, where they are just as cherished and well cared for.
Even if they don’t make an appearance, you can still learn all about them and the incredible stories behind their rescue and care. Every animal at Animal Cwtch plays an important role, whether they’re out in the spotlight or enjoying life behind the scenes.
👉 Why does this matter? Because animal welfare comes first—always.
Mammals – Furry Friends & Curious Creatures
Alan & Steve – The Prairie Dogs
Alan and Steve steal hearts instantly. They spend most of their time napping in adorable positions or grooming each other—and if you’ve never seen prairie dogs “kiss,” you’re in for a treat!
Despite their sleepy reputation, they can be surprisingly playful and cheeky, sometimes grabbing at treats with their tiny hands or standing tall to inspect the world around them. Their expressive faces and little squeaks make them a favorite for visitors of all ages.
👉 Why meet them? If you love cute, fluffy animals, these two will melt your heart.
Tilly – The African Pygmy Hedgehog
Tilly is as relaxed as they come—a little spiky on the outside but soft and gentle underneath! She’s the perfect hedgehog ambassador, always calm, curious, and happy to meet new people.
Many people expect hedgehogs to be nervous and constantly curled up, but Tilly is different. She’s so used to being handled that she’s almost always uncurled, letting people gently stroke her spines—which feel just like a hairbrush! If you watch closely, you might even see her waddling around on tiny feet, exploring her surroundings in the most adorable way.
👉 Why meet her? If you’ve never touched a hedgehog before, Tilly is the perfect introduction to these adorable creatures.
Mischief – The Giant Rabbit
Mischief doesn’t know how big he is—he still acts like a tiny bunny, despite being bigger than some dogs!With his soft fur and calm nature, he’s one of our most cuddly and relaxing animals to meet.
He loves gentle strokes and nose rubs, and when he flops down for a nap, he looks like a giant, fluffy cushion. He’s great for children who love soft animals but also surprises adults with his sheer size and friendly personality!
👉 Why meet him? He’s the biggest, softest bunny you’ll ever see—guaranteed to make you smile!
Fudge – The Snuggle Expert
Fudge is as sweet as his name suggests! With his soft fur and gentle nature, he’s always happy to sit for a cuddle and soak up the attention. He loves nothing more than being stroked and will often relax so much that he stretches out completely, enjoying every moment of fuss.
Guinea pigs are naturally social animals, and Fudge is no exception—he enjoys company, whether it’s from his guinea pig friends or the people giving him attention. His little squeaks and curious nose wiggles make him an instant favorite!
👉 Why meet him? If you love soft, snuggly animals, Fudge is the perfect little companion for a calming and hands-on experience!
Luna – The Rat
Luna is full of confidence and curiosity, always eager to explore and be part of the action. Unlike some of our other rats, she is the most enthusiastic about coming out—she’ll run straight to the front, ready to be picked up! She absolutely loves sitting on shoulders, just like a tiny cat, happily watching the world go by or snuggling into your neck.
We also have Princess and Ash, who are just as friendly and full of personality, but Luna is always the first to greet us. She thrives on interaction and is always keen to investigate and see what’s going on.
Rats are often misunderstood, but Luna is the perfect example of how affectionate, intelligent, and charming they can be. Once she’s comfortable with you, she’ll make herself right at home—especially if you have treats!
👉 Why meet her? If you’ve never met a rat before, Luna will change your mind! She’s social, affectionate, and the perfect little companion for a hands-on, heartwarming experience.
Aero, Galaxy & Oreo – Tiny but Full of Personality!
They might be small, but Aero, Galaxy, and Oreo are definitely stars! These little mice are full of character, each with their own unique personality. Whether they’re scurrying around, nibbling on treats, or pausing for a gentle stroke, they always bring a sense of fun to every encounter.
• Aero is the chilled-out one, happy to take things at his own pace and often the easiest to handle.
• Galaxy is the most curious, always eager to investigate anything new.
• Oreo is the climber, quick and full of energy, always looking for the next adventure.
Despite their size, these little mice have big personalities and love interacting with people.
👉 Why meet them? If you love tiny animals with big characters, Aero, Galaxy, and Oreo will steal your heart in seconds!
Freddie – The Therapy Cat (In Training!)
Freddie is a young cat with a big future ahead of him. He’s currently training to be a therapy cat, meaning he’ll visit schools, care homes, and support environments to provide comfort and emotional connection.
He’s already showing signs of being a natural at his job—he’s incredibly calm, loves being stroked, and enjoys curling up on people’s laps for a snooze. He has the perfect balance of playfulness and relaxation, making him an ideal therapy animal in the making!
👉 Why meet him? If you love cats and want to see one growing into an incredible support companion, Freddie is one to watch!
Meet Ryan the Rabbit!
Ryan is a tiny, pure white Lionhead rabbit with the softest fluff and a big personality. Despite his small size, he’s full of confidence and curiosity, always hopping up to say hello. He loves gentle fuss, exploring new spaces, and munching on his favorite treats. Ryan is a fantastic addition to Animal Cwtch, showing just how wonderful rabbits can be in educational encounters. Come and meet this little bundle of fluff!
At Animal Cwtch, we care for a wonderful variety of mammals, from cuddly guinea pigs and playful prairie dogs to charming hedgehogs, rabbits, and more. Some of our animals love meeting new people and regularly come out to events, while others prefer a quieter life at home. Just like with our birds, we always put their welfare first—so while some may not join us for encounters, they are still loved and cared for just the same.
We also provide a safe home for rescue animals, giving them the care, space, and love they need. While some of our rescues enjoy being part of encounters, others simply get to live their best lives in comfort, and we’re proud to share their stories.
Beyond our current lineup, we have even more animals that do come out, each bringing something special to our sessions. And we have some exciting plans for 2025 to extend our mammal range—so keep an eye out for new furry faces joining us soon!
👉 Why does this matter? Because every animal deserves a happy, enriched life—whether they’re in the spotlight or enjoying the quiet comforts of home.
Our Scaly Stars – Snakes, Lizards & More!
Falkor – The Laid-Back Blue-Tongued Skink
Falkor is the definition of chill. With his smooth scales, gentle nature, and striking blue tongue, he’s one of the easiest reptiles to handle and a favorite at encounters. He’s often compared to a puppy dog—happy to be stroked, never in a rush, and always taking life at his own pace.
One of Falkor’s quirks is how he eats his food. He loves blueberries and quail eggs, but instead of swallowing the eggs whole, he crushes them in his mouth and spits out the shell—because why eat the messy bits? He also has a unique texture—if you’ve ever held him, you’ll know he feels just like corn on the cob!
And of course, there’s his bright blue tongue—but why is it blue? Some animals have evolved this unusual feature for a fascinating reason. Want to find out why? Book a session and we’ll tell you all about it!
👉 Why meet him? If you love gentle, easygoing animals, Falkor will win you over with his calm nature and quirky habits! Plus, you’ll get to discover the secret behind that striking blue tongue!
Yoshi – The Giant Gecko with a Big Personality
Yoshi is one of our most unique reptiles—he’s a Leachianus Gecko, the largest type of gecko in the world! With his soft, velvety skin, chunky build, and surprisingly strong grip, he’s a fascinating mix of gentle and powerful.
One of his most incredible features is his feet. Unlike many reptiles, Yoshi has specially adapted toes that allow him to cling effortlessly to surfaces—even smooth ones! His grip is surprisingly strong, making him an expert climber.
He might look like a mini dinosaur, but Yoshi is actually more like a lazy tree frog—happy to cling onto your arm and just hang out.
👉 Why meet him? If you want to get up close with a truly unique reptile, Yoshi will show you just how fascinating geckos can be!
Princess Leia, Poe & Enfys – The Star Wars Snake Trio
These three royal pythons may share a species, but they each have their own unique personalities! Named after legendary Star Wars characters, Princess Leia, Poe, and Enfys are as fascinating as their namesakes.
• Princess Leia is the queen of calm—laid-back, easy to handle, and always happy to relax in someone’s hands.
• Poe is the explorer, often on the move and curious about everything around him.
• Enfys (named after Enfys Nest) is as bold as she is beautiful, showing off her striking patterns while gracefully moving.
Despite their reputation, snakes like Leia, Poe, and Enfys are incredibly gentle and fascinating to watch. If you’ve never held a snake before, these three will show you just how soft, smooth, and surprisingly soothing they can be.
👉 Why meet them? Whether you’re a lifelong snake fan or feeling a little unsure, Leia, Poe, and Enfys will change the way you see these incredible reptiles—the force is strong with them!
Boba Fett – The Gentle Giant
Boba Fett is our Boa Constrictor, and while his name might come from a feared bounty hunter, he’s actually one of the most relaxed snakes you’ll ever meet. With his impressive size, smooth scales, and calm nature, he’s a true gentle giantwho loves to slowly explore his surroundings.
Despite being larger than our royal pythons, Boba Fett is just as easygoing. He’s strong but never pushy, preferring to wrap around an arm or rest his weight comfortably while he takes everything in. His stunning patterns and powerful but controlled movements make him an incredible snake to watch and handle.
👉 Why meet him? If you want to experience the strength and grace of a larger snake while seeing just how gentle they can be, Boba Fett is the perfect introduction!
Sally – The Ultimate Dinosaur Lizard
Sally is our Argentine Black and White Tegu, and if you’ve ever wanted to meet a real-life dinosaur, she’s the one! With her powerful build, intelligent eyes, and striking black-and-white pattern, she’s an absolute showstopper.
Despite her size, Sally is incredibly gentle and inquisitive. She loves exploring new places, using her forked tongue to smell the world around her. She’s also surprisingly smart—tegus can recognize people, learn routines, and even be trained!
One of the most unique things about Sally is how she feels—her textured scales are just like diamond art, with raised bumps that make her both smooth and bumpy at the same time.
Sally enjoys basking under a heat lamp, snacking on a varied diet, and occasionally sprawling out like a lazy dog when she’s completely relaxed.
👉 Why meet her? If you love reptiles with big personalities and even bigger charm, Sally will leave you amazed! Plus, you’ll get to feel her incredible scales for yourself!
Legolas – The Legless Lizard That’s Not a Snake!
Legolas is our European Glass Lizard, also known as a legless lizard—and no, he’s not a snake! Despite looking similar, there are some key differences, and meeting him is a great way to learn the fascinating distinctions between these two species.
Unlike snakes, Legolas has movable eyelids, external ear openings, and a solid body structure that makes him feel completely different to hold. His name comes from his incredible ability to drop his tail if threatened, just like other lizards—but don’t worry, he’s perfectly safe and secure with us!
With his smooth, shiny scales that almost look like glass, Legolas is an elegant, slow-moving reptile who prefers to take life at his own pace. He’s gentle, easy to handle, and a great ambassador for those unsure about reptiles.
👉 Why meet him? If you want to see a reptile that looks like a snake but isn’t, Legolas is the perfect introduction! Come and learn what makes legless lizards so unique!
Jabba – The Bearded Dragon with a Big Appetite
Jabba might be named after Jabba the Hutt, but luckily, he’s much friendlier—he just shares the same insatiable appetite! This old man of the reptile world has been around for a long time and is full of personality, always on the lookout for his next snack.
Despite his age, Jabba still loves to bask under his heat lamp, explore his surroundings, and, of course, eat! He’s a classic bearded dragon—laid-back, easygoing, and always happy to be handled. With his rough, spiky scales and signature beard, he’s a favorite for those who want a hands-on reptile experience.
👉 Why meet him? If you love reptiles with big personalities and even bigger appetites, Jabba will quickly become your new favorite lizard!
Izzy – The Tiny Blue-Tongued Skink in Training
Izzy is our youngest Blue-Tongued Skink, still a baby but already full of curiosity! While she’s got a lot of growing to do, she’s already showing signs of having the same laid-back and friendly nature as Falkor.
Like all blue-tongued skinks, Izzy has a smooth, sturdy body and, of course, that striking blue tongue! She’s still getting used to the world, learning about new sights, sounds, and smells every day. As she grows, she’ll become even more confident, but for now, she’s a tiny bundle of potential with a big future ahead!
👉 Why meet her? If you want to see a baby blue-tongued skink as she grows into a superstar, Izzy is one to watch!
Sheldon & Amy – The Tortoise Duo Who Love a Good Scratch!
Sheldon and Amy are our dynamic tortoise duo, and just like their namesakes from The Big Bang Theory, they each have their own quirks and personalities!
• Sheldon is the more adventurous of the two, always keen to explore his surroundings at his own slow but determined pace.
• Amy is a little more reserved but just as charming, often taking her time to decide whether she wants to join in.
One of the most surprising things about them? They love a good head rub or a scratch on their shells! Tortoises have sensitive shells and enjoy a gentle scratch, often stretching their necks out to ask for more. They love basking under their heat lamps, munching on leafy greens, and gently plodding around, proving that slow and steady really does win the race!
👉 Why meet them? If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to interact with a tortoise, Sheldon and Amy will show you just how fascinating, friendly, and full of personality they really are!
Twizzler – The Stripy Milk Snake
Twizzler is our Milk Snake, and with his bold red, black, and white stripes, he’s an absolute stunner! Often mistaken for a venomous coral snake, Twizzler is completely harmless—but his striking colors help him stay safe in the wild by mimicking a dangerous species.
Despite his dramatic looks, Twizzler is one of the sweetest and most easygoing snakes around. He’s curious, gentle, and loves to explore, often weaving his way through fingers or wrapping around an arm to take in his surroundings.
Milk snakes are known for their smooth, glossy scales and striking patterns, making them a fascinating species to handle. Twizzler is a great snake for those who love bold colors and a bit of myth-busting—because meeting him is the perfect way to learn the difference between mimicry and the real thing!
👉 Why meet him? If you love brightly colored, active snakes, Twizzler is the perfect introduction to the world of colubrids! Plus, can you tell the difference between a milk snake and a coral snake? Book a session and find out!
Lava – The Goofy, Burrowing Sand Boa
Lava might be one of the smallest snakes at Animal Cwtch, but don’t let her size fool you—she’s perfectly designed for life underground! As a Kenyan Sand Boa, she loves to burrow and spend most of her time hidden beneath the sand, waiting for the perfect moment to peek out.
Unlike most snakes that move side to side, Lava has a chunky, almost worm-like body that helps her wiggle and tunnelwith ease. Her smooth, sandy-colored scales and adorable tiny head make her one of the most unique snakes to meet!
But what really makes Lava special is her goofy personality. With her funny little face, unexpected movements, and habit of suddenly popping up from under the sand, she’s impossible not to love.
👉 Why meet her? If you love quirky, unusual snakes, Lava will show you just how fascinating and endearingly goofy burrowing boas can be!
Bumblebee – The Rare & Remarkable Peter’s Banded Skink
Bumblebee isn’t just special—she’s a record-breaker! At Animal Cwtch, we were the 6th in the world to successfully breed Peter’s Banded Skinks in captivity, and Bumblebee is one of the amazing results of that achievement.
These rare, desert-dwelling lizards are often mistaken for snakes due to their short legs and smooth, glossy scales, but they are true skinks, perfectly adapted for burrowing and life in sandy habitats. Bumblebee is incredibly calm, easy to handle, and full of personality, making her a wonderful ambassador for this fascinating species.
Her bold black-and-yellow markings make her as striking as her name suggests, and she’s always happy to be gently held or stroked. Unlike many lizards, Peter’s Banded Skinks are still quite rare in captivity, so meeting Bumblebee is a truly special experience!
👉 Why meet her? Not only is she a rare and beautiful lizard, but she’s part of a groundbreaking breeding success—come and see why Peter’s Banded Skinks are such an exciting species to work with!
Iron Bru – The Tiny Snake with a Big Attitude
Iron Bru might be small, but he certainly doesn’t lack personality! As a Western Hognose Snake, he’s known for his adorable upturned nose, playful nature, and dramatic personality.
One of the funniest things about Iron Bru is his over-the-top defensive displays—if he feels unsure, he might hiss, puff up like a tiny cobra, or even play dead in the most theatrical way possible! But don’t be fooled—he’s all bluff and no bite. Once he realizes there’s no danger, he’s happy to relax and explore, showing off his smooth scales and beautiful colors.
Despite the dramatics, Iron Bru is actually a fantastic, easy-to-handle snake, making him a great introduction for those who are new to reptiles. His unique looks and quirky behaviors always make him a favorite!
👉 Why meet him? If you love tiny snakes with big personalities, Iron Bru will have you laughing and fascinated all at once!
Even More Reptiles – A Diverse & Fascinating Collection
At Animal Cwtch, we have a huge variety of reptiles, each with their own unique personalities and traits. Some are rescues, given a second chance at a safe and loving home, while others are part of the Animal Cwtch team, regularly coming out to meet and educate people.
Our collection includes:
🦎 Crested Geckos, Leopard Geckos, and Other Small Geckos – Tiny, charismatic, and always fascinating to watch.
🦎 Tokay Gecko – Known for their vibrant blue and orange spots and feisty nature—a gecko with serious attitude!
🦎 Sudan Plated Lizard & Jewelled Lacerta – Inquisitive, intelligent, and strikingly beautiful species.
🐍 More Royal Pythons – Alongside Leia, Poe, and Enfys, we have other stunning royals, each with their own gentle charm.
🐍 A Beautiful King Snake – A sleek and striking species with a fascinating nature.
Just like with our mammals and birds, some of our reptiles love coming out for encounters, while others prefer a quieter life at home. We always put their welfare first, ensuring each animal gets the care and environment that suits them best.
👉 Why does this matter? Because every reptile, whether a rescue or part of our outreach team, deserves a life where they feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Mini Beasts & Other Critters!
Dylan – The Curly-Haired Tarantula
Dylan isn’t as scary as he looks! While many people are nervous around spiders, he’s here to challenge misconceptions and show just how gentle and fascinating tarantulas can be.
His soft, curly hairs give her a unique, almost velvety texture, and watching his slow, careful movements can be surprisingly calming. Unlike the scuttling spiders you might see in your home, Dylan prefers to take his time, stepping with precision as he explores.
But the best part? Dylan gives high fives! If you place your hand down gently, he’ll reach out and tap you with one of his delicate legs—a tiny, polite greeting from an unexpected friend.
👉 Why meet him? If you’ve ever wanted to face your fear of spiders in a safe, controlled way, Dylan is the perfect ambassador.
Cockroaches & Millipedes – The Tiny Explorers
Our cockroaches and millipedes may not get as much attention as the bigger animals, but they’re some of the most important creatures on the planet! These little critters are essential for ecosystems, breaking down waste and keeping the natural world in balance.
Millipedes are especially fascinating—they have tiny feet that tickle your skin as they walk across your hand!
👉 Why meet them? They might not be cuddly, but they’re incredible examples of nature’s recyclers!
More Mini-beasts
We also welcome a variety of fascinating mini beasts throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the amazing world of invertebrates! Some species have shorter lifespans or seasonal cycles, meaning our lineup is always evolving. From time to time, we’ve had mysterious mantises, giant snails, delicate butterflies, and incredible stick insects—each bringing their own unique wonder to our encounters. Be sure to check in and see what exciting mini beasts are currently part of the team!
An Ever-Growing Collection
At Animal Cwtch, we care for a huge variety of animals, from birds and mammals to reptiles and invertebrates. Our collection is always growing responsibly, ensuring every animal receives the best care and attention. Some of our animals are rescues, given a second chance at a safe and loving home, while others are part of our Animal Cwtch team, regularly coming out to meet and educate people.
We have big plans for 2025, with exciting new additions on the way—so keep an eye out for new faces joining our encounters soon!