Little Ray's Nature Center - Syracuse

08/03/2025

Did you guess right? 👀
These are Cuvier’s dwarf caimans — the smallest of all crocodilians! Don’t let their size fool you though🤩
Swing by Little Ray’s and come meet our Cuvier’s dwarf caimans in person!

08/02/2025

07/30/2025

07/28/2025

Pass it on! 🙌👏🙏✌️

07/26/2025

Have you ever seen a hedgehog quite this stunning? 😍

This is our African four-toed hedgehog—and yes, that soft white coat and pink button nose are just as cute in person! While their wild relatives are usually darker in color, selective breeding has introduced a variety of unique shades like this snowy beauty.

Despite the makeover, they still have all the classic hedgehog quirks! Stop by and say hi to one of the most photogenic members of our animal crew!

07/25/2025

Its Frog Friday!
Bumblebee dart frogs are named for their bold black and yellow coloring—similar to a bumblebee’s warning stripes. 🐸💛🖤

That color isn’t just for show. In the wild, it tells predators to back off—these frogs produce toxins through their skin thanks to their natural diet of specific insects. In human care, where that diet is controlled, they’re completely safe to observe.

They may be tiny, but they play a big role in their ecosystem—and even help care for their young. Come see them for yourself this weekend at Destiny USA!

07/24/2025

Happy National Moth Week to all who celebrate! Luna moths have wingspans of 3-4.5 inches along with transparent eyespots on each wing meant to confuse predators, and their wing “tails” are expandable decoys that trick hungry bats. Luna moths spin the tails of their wingtips in circle which disorients bats, allowing them to get away.

07/22/2025

We love snakes! Share your beauties with us! 💕🐍👇

Most people only hear about snakes when something goes wrong, when they show up where they shouldn't, when someone gets hurt, or when the media plays into fear and sensationalism.

But snakes are incredible, essential creatures. They help maintain ecosystem balance, and many species are gentle, shy, and misunderstood.

So let’s flip the script. Let’s change this mindset.

Share a positive photo of a snake below: Your pet chilling in its enclosure, a wild snake crossing a trail peacefully, or one of our rescue snakes doing something awesome.

Let’s flood the feed with good snake news for once.

Photo credit

07/22/2025

🌿🐾 Happy National Zookeeper Week! 🐾🌿

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible team of zookeepers who pour their hearts into caring for our animals every single day.

Their dedication, compassion, and hard work do not go unnoticed. From early mornings to late nights, through every challenge, they show up with a passion that inspires everyone around them. They are the backbone of our mission—protecting wildlife, educating the public, and creating a better future for the animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild.

I can’t thank them enough for their patience, their strength, their knowledge, and above all, their unwavering love for the animals. They are true heroes, and this week—and every week—we celebrate them.

With immense appreciation, Jennifer Clark 💚

07/20/2025

Check out those colors! 🔥
Our green iguana is rocking bright orange spines along his back—a trait that really pops during breeding season. That row of spikes is called a dorsal crest, and it’s just one of the many cool features that make iguanas so unique.

Swing by Little Ray’s at Destiny USA to learn more about this impressive species (and say hi while you’re at it)! 🦎💚

07/18/2025

Let’s take a closer look at one of nature’s most fascinating climbing adaptations—Tokay gecko setae! 🦎
Those striking ridges aren’t just for show—each lamella (the ridged scales on the underside of their digits) is covered in tiny hair-like structures called setae that allow them to cling to smooth surfaces like glass and even hang upside down!

The bold patterning and texture are just as impressive as the science behind their grip. Tokay geckos are truly a perfect blend of form and function.