A.N.A. Critters brings you a unique and fun educational experience with a hands-on approach using trained animal ambassadors. Our educational program brings you up close and personal with important topics such as environmental concerns, animal welfare, conservation and how to be good stewards of the Earth.
We know that learning is easier when you have an excellent teacher. That's why most of our educators have achieved an advanced degree in their field. Our instructors are passionate about the subjects they teach and bring this enthusiasm into their presentation and lectures.
A.N.A. Critters is passionate about bringing you the absolute BEST that can be offered as an educational program. Presentations can be built around course lectures, age groups, class size and more. From Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to kindergarten and collegiate levels...we want to ensure you get all the information you need to pursue your goals!
A.N.A. Critters is located in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania surrounded by the beautiful Pocono Mountains.
A.N.A. Critters is home to a variety of domestic, exotic, wild and farm animals. All of the animals at our sanctuary come from a variety of situations. From abuse and neglect to donation or surrendering....every animals has a story to tell. Some of the stories are sad but, ALL have a happy ending here at A.N.A. Critters. We do not purchase animals for our programs or sanctuary.
Did you know A.N.A. Critters is non-profit? That's right! We do not EVER charge for our programs, events or school presentations. We rely solely off of donations. As true educators passionate about conservation and animal welfare....we cannot morally deny someone a chance to learn about our wonderful world because of the inability to pay a fee. We want you to learn and have fun too!
Sheep? As animal ambassadors? You betcha! These two little darlings are learning the tricks to become awesome animal ambassadors! Mitzie and Marlene are sisters who were born here at our sanctuary. These lovely ladies are ready to show you the uniqueness sheep hold in the farm setting and how sheep truly are the underdogs turned wonder dogs!
She's a "Queen" for sure! Spoiled too! Queen Esther is our border collie who came to us after being moved from home to home. Sadly, Esther's former owners didnt take her breed into consideration when they got her. Border collies are phenomenal dogs! They are super intelligent and super busy. These are NOT dogs that are happy lounging as c
She's a "Queen" for sure! Spoiled too! Queen Esther is our border collie who came to us after being moved from home to home. Sadly, Esther's former owners didnt take her breed into consideration when they got her. Border collies are phenomenal dogs! They are super intelligent and super busy. These are NOT dogs that are happy lounging as couch potatoes....they need a job! Queen Esther surely does have a job here! From helping to keep our farm animals safe to learning how to be a therapy and service dog....Esther is very busy here. Esther's gentle nature and eagerness to please makes her a perfect friend for people of all ages. She loves having children read to her too.
Bella came to A.N.A. Critters as a two week old kitten found on the side of the road. It is believed that Bella's mom was moving the litter, had Bella in her mouth, got spooked and dropped her. We were not able to locate Bella's mom or her possible siblings. Bella loves to travel and advocate for feral cats stressing the importance of TNR and humane care for feral cats. You can follow Bella and her adventures on Facebook's Bella TheBrave page.
Moana is a three year old Juliana pot belly pig. Moana loves her marshmallows and giving piggy kisses! Moana came to us after an urgent plea for rescue due to abandonment. No one would claim her as their own and shelters were full. Travelling from house to house looking for food and shelter, Moana became a traffic hazard. An order was given for her to immediately euthanized. With the help of animal advocates and rescuers; we were able to get Moana safely here at A.N.A. Critters.
Rango is a tropical Jackson's Chameleon! Rango was donated to us because his mom was going to college and could no longer care for him. Did you know Rango has a tongue that can grab a bug almost a foot away! No bug can ever escape Rango! While hanging on to the branch with his claws and prehensile tail Rango sizes up the bug and snatches it! Rango's favorite food is hornworms and crickets.
Cruiser and Sheldon are sulcata tortoises. Sulcata tortoises are third largest tortoise species in the world. Cruiser came to us from a family in NJ. Sheldon came from Jim Thorpe PA. Both boys just got too big for their families. Fully grown sulcata tortoises can weight over 200 pounds and live up to 100 years.
Archie is an American alligator who came to us from a local educational facility. Sadly, Archie was deliberately stunted by being forced to live in an unnaturally small enclosure. At the age of six....Archie should be closer to six feet in length. Archie is about 3 feet in length. We are hoping that now that Archie is in a bigger and more natural enclosure ...that he starts to feel and grow like the magnificent alligator he is! Archie is just one example as to why we need to be responsible when it comes to proper pet ownership.
Lilly Bell is a young, sweet ferret who came to us with several other ferrets as part of a hoarding situation. Ferrets are very intelligent animals. Being strictly carnivores...ferrets need a high protein diet. Many people assume feeding kitten food is a good substitute as ferret food. This is wrong and will cause serious health issues for your ferret...even death. Lilly Bell loves playing with Bella The Brave and chasing her around the house.
Chipper Jones is one of our oldest animal ambassadors here at A.N.A. Critters. Chipper Jones was also born feral. He was also born blind, has a heart murmur and suffers from FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease). Chip absolutely LOVES people . He loves showing children, and adults, that being different is OKAY! Chip HISSES at BULLIES! So BEWARE. Bullying is NOT ok with Chip.
Chipper Jones has crossed to Rainbow Bridge May 7th 2022 at the age of 14. Forever in our hearts....Chipper's memory and legacy will never be forgotten .
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are perhaps the most famous of all known insects. Equipped with a unique air bladder, located in the abdomen, these funny insects make a "hissing" sound when startled. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are also used in medical research to help doctors and nurses learn about carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange in the body.
Luna is a beautiful Moon Crab also called
"Halloween Crabs". Like hermit crabs, moon crabs are completely terrestrial. They do not swim or live in the water. Luna was donated to us by a former teacher.
Hi! My name is Eleanor! I am an African Grey Parrot! African Grey Parrots are extremely smart, can have a huge vocabulary and capable of reasoning. These magnificent birds are said to have the intelligence level of a 5th grader. Perhaps Eleanor just might be "Smarter Than A 5th Grader"...we'll let you decide!
Sadly, these beautiful birds are on the endangered species list despite being so popular as pets. Black market buying, poaching and deforestation is the main cause for the decline of this specie in the wild.
If you've ever visited us at events...then I'm sure you have met Hershey and Philsberry. Pot belly pigs and kune kunes are also called miniature pigs. Mini pigs can STILL get big. They can get upto 300 pounds but, are still smaller that standard pigs which can get over 600 pounds. Pot belly pigs also continue to grow up to their fifth year. Pigs do make good pets but....you need to remember that they are very inquisitive and destructive if not properly cared for.
Puddles is our beautiful ball python also referred to as a "royal" python. Ball pythons are a smaller constrictor and a popular pet due to its docile temperament. Puddles was part of a hoarding situation and neglected. When we received her she was literally all skin and bones. If you've ever seen a snake skeleton then you know they look like one giant rib cage. Puddles required intensive care and force feeding to bring her back to her now healthy state. She was one of the lucky ones on this situation.