A Tribute to Our Animal Ambassadors of the Past
Every year, thousands of children walk through our doors and come face-to-face with the wonders of the natural world for the very first time.
These transformative moments are made possible by our dedicated Animal Ambassadors—the furry, feathered, and scaled educators who called the Lutz their home.
Though they are no longer with us, their paw prints and spirit remain woven into the fabric of our museum.
We invite you to join us in remembering these extraordinary creatures, not just for the lessons they taught us about biology, but for the empathy and kindness they inspired in every child who visited them.
In Memory Of
Moxie (2018-2026)
Moxie, a rehabilitated eastern chipmunk who made her home at the Lutz Children’s Museum in 2018, passed away in 2026 after living well beyond the typical lifespan of her species. True to her name, Moxie was full of spunk and personality, capturing the hearts of countless young visitors with her curiosity and charm. She was rarely still—busily creating burrows, carefully caching her favorite treats, and often darting about her enclosure with a peanut proudly held in her mouth. Moxie brought daily smiles, quiet moments of wonder, and a lasting love of wildlife to all who met her. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Sweet Pea 2018-2025 Goober 2018-2026
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved ferret ambassadors, Goober and Sweet Pea.
Goober and Sweet Pea were much more than ferrets in our care; they were cherished members of our animal ambassador team and favorites among guests, volunteers, and staff alike.
Their playful spirits, curious natures, and silly antics brought smiles to countless faces over the years. Whether they were entertaining visitors with their adventures or simply being their goofy selves, Goober and Sweet Pea had a special way of connecting with everyone they met.
While we will deeply miss their wiggly, playful presence in the museum, we are grateful for the joy they brought to our community and for the privilege of caring for them throughout their lives. They helped countless people experience the unique charm and personality of ferrets, leaving behind memories that will stay with us for years to come.
Today, we imagine Goober and Sweet Pea crossing the Rainbow Bridge together, reunited at last. We hope they are running, playing, exploring, and causing just the right amount of mischief—together again, just as they should be.
Zitta (2016-2026)
Zitta came to the Lutz Children’s Museum in 2019 from a pet rescue, already a confident and spirited lady at about three years old. With her impressive size, soft ears, and lovable face, she inspired awe and delight in countless young visitors. Zitta was known for her big personality—cheerfully booping the backs of ankles with her nose and enthusiastically playing tug of war with her treat bags. She formed a special bond with the museum’s CEO, and when she retired from public life, she spent her remaining years peacefully in the CEO’s office, surrounded by familiar voices and gentle care. Zitta’s spunk, sweetness, and gentle presence left a lasting impression on all who met her, and she will be deeply missed.
Toby (2021-2026)
Toby, a beloved skinny pig and unique resident of the children’s museum, joined the museum family in 2025 at four years old and passed away in 2026. Though small in size, Toby had a big personality. He was known for gently nibbling fingers, snuggling snugly under fleece blankets while being held by staff, and joyfully oinking whenever food arrived. Peppers and leafy greens were his favorites, with strawberries and blueberries ranking as his most cherished treats. As a hairless guinea pig, Toby captured the curiosity of visitors who marveled at his appearance and asked countless questions. To the staff, he was affectionately compared to a tiny hippopotamus, and to everyone who met him, Toby brought laughter, warmth, and unforgettable smiles.
Cain (2001-2026)
Cain, our beloved boa constrictor, came to the museum in 2011 and passed away in 2026 at the age of 25.
For 15 years, Cain was a first for so many people who walked through our doors. For countless patrons, he was the first snake they ever touched. For many volunteers and staff members, he was the first snake they ever held, cared for, and came to know as an individual.
Cain's impact reached far beyond the museum. He inspired several volunteers and staff members to pursue the study of snakes in college and even go on to become herpetologists. Through his gentle presence and the connections he made with people of all ages, Cain helped turn curiosity into a lasting passion for reptiles and the natural world.
Cain was a true ambassador for his species. He inspired wonder, challenged misconceptions, and gave generations of visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and importance of snakes firsthand. Through him, countless people learned more about boa constrictor biology, behavior, and conservation.
His legacy lives on in every person who left the museum a little more curious about snakes, a little less afraid of them, and with a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Cain will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a cherished member of our museum family.