Meet the Troop: Ambassadors of Conservation
At Madi’s Mission, we proudly introduce you to our amazing troop of animal ambassadors, each playing a vital role in conservation education. From Madi, our playful Ring-Tailed Lemur, to Rayna, the impressive Reticulated Python, every member of our troop teaches us about the importance of biodiversity, endangered species, and habitat preservation. Hoping to inspire a love for nature and wildlife, these animals educate visitors on environmental threats and how we can all make a difference. Their stories highlight the importance of conservation and how small changes in our behavior can have a lasting impact on preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Join us for an unforgettable experience and learn more about how you can help protect these incredible creatures and their homes.
Madi: The Conservation Ambassador
Nickname: Mad Dog
Meet Madi, our energetic Ring-Tailed Lemur born on March 3, 2018. As the face of Madi’s Mission, Madi’s story began in captivity, where he grew to become a passionate ambassador for conservation and environmental education. Fueled by a passion for his native country, Madagascar, Madi teaches visitors of all ages about the importance of reforestation and protecting endangered species like lemurs in the wild. WIth an emphasis on empowering children to follow their dreams and make a difference.
When he’s not educating or inspiring others, Madi loves playing with his troop and snuggling with his favorite stuffed penguin toy. Madi’s all-time favorite snack is getting a few licks of a lollipop! His sweet nature and funny reactions to his human mom’s shenanigans makes him a favorite among his followers on social media, but his mission is serious: raising awareness about deforestation in his homeland.
Learn how you can help protect his natural habitat and support global conservation efforts!
When he’s not educating or inspiring others, Madi loves playing with his troop and snuggling with his favorite stuffed penguin toy. Madi’s all-time favorite snack is getting a few licks of a lollipop! His sweet nature and funny reactions to his human mom’s shenanigans makes him a favorite among his followers on social media, but his mission is serious: raising awareness about deforestation in his homeland.
Learn how you can help protect his natural habitat and support global conservation efforts!
Rayna: The Reticulated Python
Meet Rayna,our impressive Reticulated Python, hatched on June 22, 2013 known for her mesmerizing patterned scales and powerful presence. Known as a Lavender Albino Reticulate Python. Reticulated pythons hold the record for longest snake in the world with lengths eceeding 30 feet and weighing well over 300 pounds. As one of the largest snakes in our troop, Rayna commands attention while helping educate visitors about the fascinating world of reptiles. Rayna has the albino gene which explains her beautifully unique coloration. This morph gives her the perfect opportunity to teach about the beauty of being different and not looking like everyone else. Reticulated Pythons are native to Southeast Asia, but Rayna calls Madi’s Mission Outpost home, where she plays a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of reptiles in the ecosystem.
Rayna enjoys curling up on her favorite rock way up high in her enclosure safe from predators and just enjoys life.
Come meet Rayna and discover the beauty and mystery of pythons, and learn why these misunderstood creatures are vital to biodiversity.
Rayna enjoys curling up on her favorite rock way up high in her enclosure safe from predators and just enjoys life.
Come meet Rayna and discover the beauty and mystery of pythons, and learn why these misunderstood creatures are vital to biodiversity.
Ponche: The Striking Red Blood Python
Meet Ponche, our bold and beautiful Red Blood Python! Hatched October 30, 2014. Known for her stunning red and black coloration, Ponche hails from the dense rainforests of Southeast Asia, where these pythons thrive in humid environments. As a shorter but more robust species, Ponche showcases the unique adaptations of Red Blood Pythons, from their powerful constricting abilities to their incredible camouflage skills.
Despite her striking appearance, Ponche is calm and enjoys spending time curled up in her favorite cozy spots near her roomate, Rayna. Sharing a space as they would in the wild where both python species inhabit the same area of forest. Unlike other pythons, Red Blood Pythons are known for their patience—Ponche can sit still for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike while hunting in the wild!
Come meet Ponche and learn more about this amazing species and their vital role in controlling small mammal populations in their natural habitats.
Despite her striking appearance, Ponche is calm and enjoys spending time curled up in her favorite cozy spots near her roomate, Rayna. Sharing a space as they would in the wild where both python species inhabit the same area of forest. Unlike other pythons, Red Blood Pythons are known for their patience—Ponche can sit still for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike while hunting in the wild!
Come meet Ponche and learn more about this amazing species and their vital role in controlling small mammal populations in their natural habitats.
Sheldon (Nickname Shell'quil O'Neil & Tiny (Nickname Tiny Tortellini) : The Dynamic Tortoise Duo
Meet Rayna,our impressive Reticulated Python, hatched on June 22, 2013 known for her mesmerizing patterned scales and powerful presence. Known as a Lavender Albino Reticulate Python. Reticulated pythons hold the record for longest snake in the world with lengths eceeding 30 feet and weighing well over 300 pounds. As one of the largest snakes in our troop, Rayna commands attention while helping educate visitors about the fascinating world of reptiles. Rayna has the albino gene which explains her beautifully unique coloration. This morph gives her the perfect opportunity to teach about the beauty of being different and not looking like everyone else. Reticulated Pythons are native to Southeast Asia, but Rayna calls Madi’s Mission Outpost home, where she plays a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of reptiles in the ecosystem.
Rayna enjoys curling up on her favorite rock way up high in her enclosure safe from predators and just enjoys life.
Come meet Rayna and discover the beauty and mystery of pythons, and learn why these misunderstood creatures are vital to biodiversity.
Rayna enjoys curling up on her favorite rock way up high in her enclosure safe from predators and just enjoys life.
Come meet Rayna and discover the beauty and mystery of pythons, and learn why these misunderstood creatures are vital to biodiversity.
Wally – The Adventurous Asian Water Monitor
Meet Wally, our charismatic Asian Water Monitor, hatched on April 6, 2016. Native to Southeast Asia, these remarkable reptiles are known for their incredible adaptability. Water Monitors are excellent swimmers, often found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and their powerful tails help them glide effortlessly through water. But that’s not all—Wally also loves to climb, using his sharp claws to scale trees with ease!
Asian Water Monitors can grow to over 8 feet in length and weigh up to 60 pounds, making them one of the largest lizards in the world! Wally is still growing, and we’re excited to see how big he’ll get.
Water Monitors are known for their intelligence and versatility, making them one of the most successful monitor species in the world. Wally’s presence here helps us educate visitors about the importance of conserving wetland habitats and protecting the diverse species that rely on these environments.
At Madi’s Mission, Wally enjoys basking in the sun and cooling off with a refreshing swim in his pond. A carnivorous hunter by nature, his favorite food is shrimp, which he eagerly eats when hand-fed by his caregivers.
Asian Water Monitors can grow to over 8 feet in length and weigh up to 60 pounds, making them one of the largest lizards in the world! Wally is still growing, and we’re excited to see how big he’ll get.
Water Monitors are known for their intelligence and versatility, making them one of the most successful monitor species in the world. Wally’s presence here helps us educate visitors about the importance of conserving wetland habitats and protecting the diverse species that rely on these environments.
At Madi’s Mission, Wally enjoys basking in the sun and cooling off with a refreshing swim in his pond. A carnivorous hunter by nature, his favorite food is shrimp, which he eagerly eats when hand-fed by his caregivers.
Tsiky – The Smiling Dumeril’s Boa
Say hello to Tsiky, our beautiful Dumeril’s Boa, hatched on July 14, 2015. Native to Madagascar’s Spiny Forest, Dumeril’s Boas are known for their expert camouflage, blending seamlessly into the forest floor to avoid predators and stalk their prey. Tsiky’s unique markings make her especially remarkable—if you look closely, you’ll notice a smiley face-shaped marking on her head, which is how she got her name, as “Tsiky” means “smile” in Malagasy.
Dumeril’s Boas are non-venomous constrictors, relying on their strength to subdue prey. Despite their intimidating size and power, they are generally calm and docile, making them fascinating ambassadors for snake conservation. Tsiky’s presence helps us teach visitors about the importance of conserving Madagascar’s unique ecosystems and protecting species like hers from habitat loss and deforestation.
Dumeril’s Boas are non-venomous constrictors, relying on their strength to subdue prey. Despite their intimidating size and power, they are generally calm and docile, making them fascinating ambassadors for snake conservation. Tsiky’s presence helps us teach visitors about the importance of conserving Madagascar’s unique ecosystems and protecting species like hers from habitat loss and deforestation.
Serena
Serena is a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth born July 27, 2023. She came to us as an unexpected surprise after her mother attacked her the first day she was born. Not knowing if she was going to survive or not we took her into our care to give her love and keep her comfortable. She surprised us all by being a fighter and continues to get stronger each day. She is lovingly called Toothless since part of her injuries include a split lower lip and no bottom jaw. Two-toed sloths are nocturnal animals that are leaf eaters and use those sharp toes (claws) to help them hang in their trees. Sloths can spend up to 20 hours just hanging around and live in the same one to two trees their whole life. Deforestation is the biggest threat to these animals and we are trying to find a way to help them in the wild. Though sloths are normally found high up in trees, if a sloth had to swim they can hold their breath for almost 40 minutes by slowing their heart rate down to one-third its normal rate!
Angel
Angel is a curly haired chinchilla born July 30, 2021. Angel was used in a summer camp program and needed to find a permanent home after camp was over. She joined our troop that summer but still enjoys going back every year to teach children about why the fur trade is bad. Unlike a rabbit that you can shave to use the fur- in order to have a chinchilla fur coat they kill the animal. Due to the softness of their fur they are highly sought after, and it takes from 150-300 chinchillas to make 1 fur coat making them endangered due to the overhunting for their fur. Being rodents, chinchillas require lots of things to fill their ever-growing teeth back. Angel LOVES loofah and cuttlebone and is a known troublemaker finding her way out of the most secure cages at night time to jump into bed for some extra cuddle time!
Rose
Rose is a Tri-Colored ruffed lemur born March 27, 2023. Her mother is a black and white ruffed lemur, while her dad was a red ruffed; giving Rose an amazing coat of many colors. Ruffed lemurs are critically endangered due to illegal logging, mining and hunting. Though they live on Madagascar they would be on different sides of the island opposite of Ring-tails. Lemurs live in troops that can have over 20 lemurs in it with females being dominant. Lemurs are fruit and veggie eaters with Rose’s favorite snack being banana and passion fruit. Though part of the same family as ring tails there are many differences between the two species and we love watching her and Madi play chase together.
Mini Mouse: The Playful Albino Banana Ball Python
Meet Mini Mouse, our beautiful Albino Banana Ball Python, hatched on March 23, 2024. Originally an owner surrender, Mini Mouse quickly became a beloved member of our troop with her friendly nature and curious personality. Known for her striking yellow and white scales, she captivates visitors with her unique appearance and gentle demeanor.
Mini Mouse’s favorite hobby? Having a spa day in the sink and slithering through a cozy fort of blankets! She loves to explore her surroundings in the most fun and creative ways. Ball Pythons are known for curling into a tight ball when they feel scared, but here at Madi’s Mission, Mini Mouse feels right at home.
Come meet Mini Mouse and learn more about the fascinating world of pythons and their critical role in our ecosystem!
Mini Mouse’s favorite hobby? Having a spa day in the sink and slithering through a cozy fort of blankets! She loves to explore her surroundings in the most fun and creative ways. Ball Pythons are known for curling into a tight ball when they feel scared, but here at Madi’s Mission, Mini Mouse feels right at home.
Come meet Mini Mouse and learn more about the fascinating world of pythons and their critical role in our ecosystem!
Gizmo
Gizmo is a Greater Galago, or African Bush Baby born May 31st, 2014. Gizmo is a nocturnal primate which means she is up primarily after dark. Bush Babies can jump over 6 to 8 feet in one leap! Gizmo is an omnivore and has two tongues to help her peel her food! Her favorite meal is mealworms with a side of whipped cream! Gizmo has since passed away but her legacy lives on in all of us.
Blue
Blue is an English Angora rabbit born April 30th, 2015. Angora rabbits originally come from Ankara, Turkey which is where their name comes from. An Angora rabbit’s hair can grow to be over 6 feet in diameter! Blue gets her name from the color of her beautiful hair once spun into yarn. Blue loves to spend time eating Romaine lettuce with Tiny and racing him every day! Her favorite snack is Captain Crunch cereal! Blue passed a few years ago but is still a part of our troop in spirit.
Suzie
Suzie is an American striped skunk born March 1, 2021, that came to us as an owner surrender. Though her original family thought they were spoiling her, she was way overfed which can cause problems for their little legs and heart. After being put on a modified diet, Suzie has lost weight and is much more active than before. Skunks, on average, live to be only two or 3 years old in the wild but can live to be over 10 in captivity. Being nocturnal and mostly blind they rely on their awesome sense of smell to navigate where to find their food. Skunks are omnivores and opportunistic eaters, meaning they will eat whatever they have the chance to! Suzie’s favorite foods are walnuts and almonds, string cheese, and eggs. Even though skunks have a bad reputation they are great pest control for our gardens, eating all the bugs and grubs we don’t want near our plants! But watch out if you scare these guys they can spray almost ten feet as a distraction so that they can run away!