Live Animals

bearded dragon


NPS teachers can enhance their curriculum with a live animal visit from the Science Center!

Our animal collection includes: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and other invertebrates.

Most of these are  available for short term loan (up to 2 weeks) in the classroom.
To request an animal, please fill out the form below.


NEEDHAM SCIENCE CENTER LIVE ANIMAL REQUEST FORM


Students are always welcome to visit the science center and see our amazing animals! Please be sure that your student has a permission form filled out before bringing them in.

The following is a list of animals available for loan to your classroom:

African Clawed Frogs (Grade 2 only)
Ringneck Dove pair (Baby and Oboe)
 
Guppies. (K only)
Invertebrates
Mammals
Reptiles
Earthworms*
Chinchilla (Cloudy)
Rabbit (Millie)
Hedgehog (Noodle)
Guinea Pigs (Rose and Blanch)
  "Chronicles of Thunder" 
   Ms. Soldato's Gr. 5 
Bearded Dragon (Aggie)
Box Turtle (Eloise)
Leopard Gecko (Gemini)


*These animals must be requested at least two weeks in advance of date needed in classroom.


Millie our rabbit




   Millie is available for classroom visits!






A Science Center staffer will deliver the animal, introduce it to a classroom, and give students ideas for animal-related observations and activities. The staffer will also discuss the animal's habitat and care.

The animal will arrive with a cage, food, bedding, and care instructions. During the length of the stay, students and teachers are responsible for animal care. The Science Center staff will be available to answer questions and concerns.

Animals are also available for a 30-minute question-and-answer session with a science center staffer.
Contact the [email protected] if interested.


Animal Care Student Volunteers - Afternoons from 3:15 - 4:15 (Currently on hold)
Middle School and High school volunteers are encouraged and welcomed during the academic year. Volunteer hours are accumulated and used toward the Community Service graduation requirement. Students learn animal handling and animal care. Interested students can check at their school on how to sign up.


Weekend Animal Caretaker Families (Currently on hold)
Do you love animals? Are the kids looking for a pet but you are reluctant to commit to a full-time pet? Consider becoming a Science Center Animal Caretaking Family! You and your child/ren will get to experience a room full of exotic animals to love, nurture, and feed. Science Center staffers will train you on proper care, feeding, and socializing techniques. You and your child will visit between Saturday morning and Sunday night on one weekend a month, from October - May, to keep our animals fed, watered, and happy. If interested, please email or call the Science Center at [email protected] or 781-455-0475.

We also welcome alternate family caretakers to help on an as-needed basis to substitute for traveling committed families, during school vacation weeks and/or some holiday weekends.

Liven Up Your Summer
Care for a Science Center Animal

Do you have a soft spot for a critter that’s furry, feathered, or scaled? The Science Center is looking to adopt out our live animals over summer break. We’ll give you training, written instructions, and an initial food supply. Adoption months will be approximately mid-June through mid-September. For more information, contact the Science Center:  [email protected].ma.us. Or, call Newman School and ask to be transferred to the Science Center: 781-455-0416.
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