Get to Know Montana's Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Animal Wonders

I ran into the friend this weekend at the new coffee shop on the northside. She was telling me about an event she attended where she got to do something cool; she got to hold an albino gopher snake named Starburst.

Animal Wonders Montana via YouTube

Starburst is one of the many residents at Animal Wonders Inc., a nonprofit organization I only learned about because of my friend's special encounter.

Starburst had been a pet until her previous owner couldn't care for her anymore. Then she was adopted by Animal Wonders. Normally, Starburst's colors would be black and brown but because of her condition, she's a bright yellow color. You can learn more about Starburst in the video below.

If you attended PetFest this year, you might have seen Animal Wonders Inc. at the event. Part of their mission is to educate the public by making videos like the one about Starburst and giving public presentations. They are a licensed, insured outreach organization that's not just for kids, but adults too. You might meet one of these animals at the next community event you attend.

What Other Animals Live at Animal Wonders?

Animal Wonders cares for all kinds of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and domestic. Here are just some of the Animal Ambassadors in their care:

Huckleberry the Beaver
Seraphina the Fox
Wonder the Porcupine
Otis the Lesser Anteater
Dozer the Screaming Hairy Armadillo
Amber the Argentine Black and White Tegu
Blueberry the Northern Blue Tongue Skink
Freckles the Leopard Gecko
Freya the Pine Snake
Taffy the Rubber Boa
Slick and Slim the Tiger Salamanders
Hara the Harris's Hawk
Joy the Blue and Gold Macaw
Angel the Burlyhair Tarantula
Vinny the Giant Vinegaroon
Pashta the Spanish Mustang/Quarter Horse

Animal Wonders just posted a heartbreaking update about one of the animals in their care. Dozer, the Screaming Hairy Armadillo, has inoperable tumors.

The good news is that you can donate to Animal Wonders to help all the Animal Ambassadors in their care and help fund school visits. You can also sponsor a specific animal or buy items on their wish list.

If you are curious about the exotic animals of Montana, learn more below about Montana's 'noncontrolled species.'

Montana's 'Exotic Noncontrolled Species'

Here's a sample of some of the exotic animals that the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks consider "noncontrolled species" meaning they aren't prohibited unless it falls under Montana or Federal law. For more information about these species and other "exotic noncontrolled species" refer to the guidance from Montana Fish Wildlife, and Parks.

Gallery Credit: Ashley