Critter Room Spotlight

Does Pine Cove have a zoo? Not exactly. But, we do have an Institute of Wilderness Studies (IWS)! There are two locations, one in East Texas and another in Central Texas. At both locations, there are several different types of animals which are cared for and used to teach students more about God’s creation. Get to know a few of our animals and their personalities!

The Stingrays

We have two Atlantic Rays in East Texas, named Joshua Ray or “J.R.” and Beyonceray (haha). Our rays hail from the great state of North Carolina and have been with us for just over a year. Atlantic Rays are some of the smallest species of rays which make them great additions for our touch tank. J.R. and Beyonceray love racing each other around the tank and their favorite foods are shrimp, krill, and squid!

The African Tortoise

At twenty-seven years old, Sam the African tortoise is IWS’s oldest critter. He weighs 130 pounds and lives in his own cave at the Critter Room in Columbus. He’s not anti-social, though! The best way to bring him out of his cave is to wear multi-colored shoelaces (he loves them!).

The Macaw

Pody is a blue and gold macaw. He’s super friendly and will greet people who walk by with a “Hi!” or “Bye!” His favorite food is peanuts and if he really likes someone, he’ll whistle at them. He’s so smart that during the summer, when the zipline is in use, he’ll respond to the zipline commands.

The Sloth

True to the way God created him, Chewie spends a vast majority of his time hanging from the branches of his habitat. Two things really get him moving: the sound of a vacuum cleaner, which he hates, and sweet potatoes, which he loves. While his buddy Zoro is fast paced and always looking for something to do, Chewie balances out the high energy Zoro brings to the room with his peaceful, lazy nature.

The Bird

Despite his messy eating habits, “dignified” is the best word to describe Zazu the hornbill. A steak man through and through, his favorite food is stew meat, which he picks out and eats first at every meal. He enjoys perching in the branches of his habitat, and he finds joy in watching students learn more about God’s creation.

The Tortoise

Luigi may be slow, but when he moves, it’s always with a purpose. He’s the grandpa of the reptile room. His best friend is the quick box turtle, Tetris. They often sit in the corner together, discussing the importance of young people learning more about God’s creation.

The Lemur

Zoro is a lemur. He’s a rambunctious guy with a love of raisins. He tends to be moody, and he’s so intelligent that his caregivers have to move his food around for him to re-discover so that he doesn’t get bored. He was donated to IWS after his owners decided to adopt children. Zoro spends most of his time bouncing around, plotting the quickest route through the ropes hanging in his home.

Interested in learning more about Pine Cove’s outdoor education program, “The Institute of Wilderness Studies?” Check out this East Texas preview, or this Central Texas preview. Learn more on our website.