The Hissers

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa)

We have several species of tropical roaches that we use on various invertebrate programs, but the large Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is by far the most popular and easiest to show. We have multiple colonies of these big insects, so naming each one would be very difficult! We have donated several to classrooms around Kansas City over the years, usually a male (they have larger horns) and a couple of females for students to watch and learn the life cycle (we do pick up the babies when colonies grow too large!). They are very important to the forest ecosystems, helping to break down organic material.

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The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer, but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again. - William Beebe, 1906

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Animal Wonders

We depend on our programs & donations to help fund the care and housing for our animals, most of which are either rescues or surrenders. We seem to be always taking in new animals that need a home or different situation, their care adds up. If you would like to help support Animal Wonders, it would be greatly appreciated. We are always in need of donations, caging material, lumber, crates, aquariums, straw, & newspapers.