- Holifield Science Center
- Critters In the Classroom
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Care Sheets for Available Critters
Please look over the animals and their care below. Animals are organized by how involved their care needs are. Click on the links for husbandry information so that you know what to expect before you request your critter!
Plan on picking up your critter at the Outdoor Learning Center located on Spring Creek near Bobwoodruff park (3401 East Spring Creek Pkway, Plano 75074).
Our building's hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. We recommend that you expect to spend at least 30 minutes with us for a first time animal checkout.
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Animals Recommended for Beginners:
Amphibians
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Toad (various species)
Reptiles
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Green anole
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Ball python
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Box turtle
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Corn snake
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Leopard gecko
Creepy Crawlies and Other Critters
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Cricket
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Hermit crab
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Hissing cockroach
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Land snail (for observation only)
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Mealworms
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Tarantula (Various species)
Mammals
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Mice (2 females or 1 male)
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Gerbil (pair)
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Animals Requiring More Care:
Amphibians
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Fire-Bellied Toad (Adult)
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Fire-Bellied Toad (Toadlet)
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Fire-bellied Toad (Tadpole) Available Seasonally
Birds
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Parakeet (pair)
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Doves (pair)
Reptiles
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Bearded dragon - Adult size; min 40 gallon tank or larger
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Musk (water) turtle - Sub-Adult; 20 - 40 gallon tank depending on individual's size
Creepy Crawlies and Other Critters
Fish
Full year checkout with permanent enclosure in your classroom 10 - 20 gal aquariums
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Guppies or mosquito fish**
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Blue Crayfish**
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For Experienced Keepers and/or Short Checkouts Only:
Amphibians
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Axolotl** -
Checkouts begin in October for this animal.
Experienced aquatic keepers only.
This animal requires a clean, cold, dimly lit, low-flow environment which can be difficult to maintain.
**Please plan on needing up to two weeks to properly set up and cycle the water in your aquarium. We recommend that teachers keep a permanent (for the full school year) enclosure operational in your room for all fish and amphibious aquatics. Transporting their entire habitat for boarding over breaks is stressful and not recommended. Please discuss boarding considerations for these animals with our staff upon checkout.____________________________________________________________________
Additional Species Care Sheets for Reference Only:
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Hedge Hog
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Hamster
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Rat
- White's (Dumpy) Tree Frog
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