Imagine walking into a room filled with the gentle rustling of scales and the soft croaking of amphibians. That’s the miraculous touch of Critterville at Sacramento Splash, a vibrant home for rescued and rehabilitated animals that captivates students and visitors alike. Recently, this one-of-a-kind sanctuary welcomed some fascinating new critters, and Meghan, Splash’s Program Manager for Investigating Vernal Pools and resident Critter Keeper, gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.
Meet the New Critters
From Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Critterville adopted two California Kingsnakes (native to our region) and a Corn Snake. These additions join the menagerie of ambassador animals that already call Critterville home, including a garter snake (once injured and rehabbed at Splash), three California Newts, Gilbert’s skink, a native tarantula, and two Prairie Skinks.
While these newcomers may seem like duplicates of species already at Critterville, they serve a vital purpose. “They help ensure our existing animals don’t get overwhelmed during the busy field trip season,” Meghan explains. When one animal is shedding or needs a break, another critter can step in to keep those educational encounters strong.
Hands-On Learning in Action
Critterville is far more than a collection of cute (and sometimes creepy!) critters; it’s a living classroom. During field trips, students explore how human activity impacts wildlife by meeting animals injured or displaced due to human interaction. “We also show them creatures they might never see up close,” Meghan says. The result? Students walk away with a deeper appreciation for these often misunderstood animals and a clearer understanding of conservation.
Each class is divided into smaller groups, giving every student a unique animal encounter, perhaps feeding turtles one day and touching a snake the next. These thrilling, hands-on experiences help dispel myths and fears surrounding reptiles and amphibians. “It’s amazing,” Meghan adds, “to see kids share their encounters, proudly trading stories about the creatures they just met.”
Care Behind the Scenes
Behind every unforgettable encounter is a dedicated team of ten volunteers and staff handling Critterville’s daily animal care. “Each critter has a specific care plan and feeding schedule,” says Meghan. Ensuring every animal thrives is a complex, behind-the-scenes process. For instance, the newly arrived snakes won’t officially join the exhibit until a vet clears them, ensuring they’re healthy and ready to meet their admirers.
Some creatures, like one older snake named LeRoy, are even heading into well-deserved retirement. “Since we now have a new ambassador snake, LeRoy can finally rest,” Meghan explains, highlighting how Critterville not only rescues animals but also provides them with a supportive environment for life.
A Sneak Peek at Their New Home
While introducing new snakes and lizards on day one may sound like an exciting spectacle, Meghan insists the transitions are carefully managed. The animals need time to acclimate, and thorough vet checks are necessary. Once cleared, they’re slowly integrated into the bustling environment of Critterville, where curious students and visitors await.
How You Can Help
Want to be part of this incredible journey? Critterville always needs cleaning items, enrichment toys, and new habitat hides to keep the animals healthy and engaged. Meghan keeps an Amazon and Chewy wishlist handy for anyone wanting to donate.
Volunteering is another excellent way to get involved, though Meghan notes it requires a commitment to maintain consistency, especially during the busy field trip season from January to April. “We welcome email inquiries,” she says. “We just want people to know we have certain permits and guidelines for interacting with the animals.”
Critterville: A Place of Discovery and Hope
Critterville’s newest residents may not bring a brand-new “wow” factor; many are similar to existing critters, but they’re crucial to the health and happiness of every animal Splash cares for. They enable a never-ending education cycle and awe for the next round of curious visitors.
As Meghan puts it, “These animals give us a chance to introduce students to nature in a real, immediate, and memorable way. And that can inspire a lifetime of environmental stewardship.” If you want to support this mission, consider donating supplies or volunteering. Every contribution helps Critterville thrive and ensures that these remarkable creatures continue to spark wonder in all who meet them.