If you’ve visited our Zoo in the last year, you’ve probably shared a similar experience with our other guests: Debating whether the Madagascar hissing cockroaches in our Expedition Africa area’s baobab tree are real or not.   

Now, the debate may be over! We’ve welcomed 10 male Madagascar hissing cockroaches to our Zoo. These Ambassador Animals will be making occasional trips – in their mobile habitat – to join their 3D printed counterparts in the baobab tree!  

“We wanted to allow people to compare and see these animals doing natural things in a space similar to this!” said Curator of Animals Mack Ralbovsky.   

The “intrusion,” or group of cockroaches, will be making their debut at the opening of our newly expanded Expedition Africa loop and lion habitat on Saturday, Nov. 16. Expect to see the cockroaches at the baobab tree for the week following the opening before they move to a different schedule on weekends and other occasions.   

Madagascar hissing cockroaches are a unique addition to our animal residents as the only insects at the Zoo. As Animal Ambassadors, they will star in educational programs and events to offer learning opportunities about their species as well as their native habitat. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are well-established in their native range and listed as a species of least concern. However, like other forest-dwelling species in Madagascar, deforestation in their native habitat remains a threat.  

This species received their name from the hissing noise they make as a defense mechanism and during the courtship process.   

“They have holes along the sides of their bodies called spiracles that are typically used for them to ‘breathe,’ Mack said. “When something causes them to become stressed, they will quickly release the air from these holes causing the hissing sound they get their namesake from!”  

This species has an important role in the ecosystem of their Madagascar ecosystem, breaking down decaying plants and animals. Here at the Zoo, they’ll be offered vegetables, greens and a pelleted diet to ensure they have all the nutrients they need.   

They’ll also receive a variety of enrichments, just like all our other animal residents.   

“This would include new hides/burrowing spaces, foraging devices, climbing obstacles, novel things, and more!” Mack said.   

Ready to celebrate all things Expedition Africa with us?  

More than 20 years ago, we introduced you to our incredible Expedition Africa experience with opportunities to feed giraffes, kayak past an “African” veldt and take a train through an animal habitat. The adventure continues!  

While we know you’re excited to see the new lion habitat, don’t miss out on these special experiences:  

• Book an Okapi Encounter for a special visit with George the okapi.  

• Take a trip around our Africa habitats on our newly refreshed kayaking experience.   

• Check out new views of some of your favorite animals, like our ring-tailed lemur conspiracy or our rhino crash when our expanded loop opens on Saturday, Nov. 16!

Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.