Adopt a PEEC Animal

At PEEC, visitors have a chance to see a few of the small animals found in New Mexico. You can meet Betty the bullfrog, Link the skink, and Tam and Cam the salamanders. Sometimes our animals even visit classrooms. In this way PEEC helps people learn about nature and not be afraid of it. Each of our educational animals is special, and you can help one of the animals feel extra special by adopting it for $25/year.

Adoption FAQ

What do I get as an adoptive parent?

As a proud new parent, you'll receive a color photo of your animal mounted in a magnetic frame, an official adoption certificate, and a fact sheet about your animal. Your name will be displayed on the animal's enclosure.

What does the animal get when I adopt it?

As an adoptive parent, you can be sure that your animal will get fresh food, good lighting, clean bedding, and other improvements to its habitat.

Do I have to take care of my animal?

No. Your adopted animal will be cared for by PEEC staff.

Can I visit my adopted animal?

Yes, please come and visit your animal any time PEEC is open. Handling is limited, depending on the animal.

Can more than one person adopt an animal?

Yes!

How long does my adoption last?

You will be honored as an adoptive parent for one year, and you will have your name proudly displayed on the animal's habitat.

Will I be helping PEEC by adopting an animal?

Yes. Live animals are an important (but costly) part of our educational mission, and you will be helping us to care for them.

What do I have to do to adopt an animal?

Ask any of our volunteers or staff members to help you fill out an enrollment form.

Can I pay for an animal adoption online?

Yes, click here.

Animals for Adoption

	Foxxy the Hognose Snake Foxxy was named for the donors who sponsored his purchase, Jim and Terry Foxx. He is still adapting to his new home and becoming accustomed to being handled. He likes to hide under his cave, looking out at visitors and flicking his tongue.
	Flash the Fence Lizard Flash is a fence lizard. As the name implies, she moves quickly and is easily startled. She likes to bask under her lamp and grab insects as they pass by.
	Link the Skink Link is a Great Western Skink. He looks much like a speckled tan snake with four delicate legs and feet. He is a reptile. He is often found inside his hideway rock which lifts open for viewing. Link has a strong bite and eats crickets and mealworms.
	Elf the Turtle Elf the Red-eared Slider is very active in his large aquarium. Elf seems curious about people who look below his water level to watch him. He also likes to bask under his sun lamp. He eats crickets, earthworms, fish, fruit, and veggies.
	Flip the Plecostomus Flip the plecostomus is a fish who lives with Elf and cleans algae from his habitat. Flip even eats algae from Elf's shell sometimes. Whereas Elf is likely to be watching people, Flip usually rests upside down under one of Elf's rock platforms, showing just a flip of fluttery fins.
	Tam & Cam the Tiger Salamanders Tam and Cam the tiger salamanders have sinuous brown bodies with olive spots, typical of this species in the Jemez Mountains. They like water and may hide under their big water bowl. Often you can see their eyes peaking out of the opening of their burrow where they watch for prey: crickets, earthworms, and mealworms.
	Wild Birds Wild birds at PEEC's outside bird feeders vary with the seasons, and they know where to come for food anytime. Our feeders are a good place for beginning bird watchers to watch. PEEC has a changing show of birds throughout the year because of the nearby woods.
	Worms Wouldn't this be an interesting adoption to give as a gift? The worms at PEEC eat Elf's leftover veggies and other fruit and vegetable scraps. The worms, in turn, serve as food for some of PEEC's animals. They also serve as education animals, teaching people about composting.