Meet the animals

We have a number of fire salamanders here at The Hive but they all look very similar so they don't have individual names. They are great characters though! These salamanders are native to southern Europe, their natural habitat is forests near streams and ponds, much like the newts we have here in the UK. They have very distinctive yellow spots on black skin that are warning colours to their predators not to eat them.

We have two corn snakes, Cynthia and Cornflake. They have been with us for over 15 years! Corn snakes a native to eastern and central United States. Their natural habitat is farms and meadows as their favourite food is mice! They are a constrictor, which means they squeeze their prey, and therefore do not have any venom in their fangs. They are also surprisingly good at climbing.

We have a small flock of chickens at The Hive, and they are some of the friendliest animals we care for! Chickens are originally native to Southeast Asia, where their wild ancestors lived in forests and jungles. Now, they are found all over the world in a variety of habitats. Chickens are omnivorous and enjoy pecking for seeds, insects, and even small animals. Ours are particularly fond of cabbage! They are amazing recyclers, turning leftover food into nutrient-rich eggs and compost, helping us live more sustainably. Each chicken has its own unique personality, so be sure to say hello when you visit!

GAL snails are one of the largest types of snails in the world, with their shells growing up to 20cm in length. They are native to central Africa but are an invasive species in lots of countries across the world. They are typically found in forests and jungles where it is damp and warm and love to munch on leaves and vegetables. Our snail's favourite food is sweet potato!

At The Hive, we care for a large group of stick insects that live in a spacious tank filled with branches and leaves for climbing and feeding. These insects are native to the jungles of the Philippines, where they rely on their remarkable camouflage to blend into the surrounding trees and plants, helping them evade predators. Their bodies are also covered in tiny spines that make them less appealing to predators, but don't worry—despite their spikes, they are very gentle and easy to handle!

At The Hive, we have quite a large "intrusion" of cockroaches—but don’t worry, they’re welcome here! An "intrusion" is simply the collective term for a group of cockroaches. These fascinating creatures are native to Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa. One of their most impressive adaptations is their ability to produce hissing sounds through their spiracles (breathing tubes). This unique behavior mimics the sound of a hissing snake, helping to deter potential predators.