Skip to content
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Contact Us

(603) 923-1168 Call/Text

  • About Us
    • Mission & Values
    • Meet The Animals
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Facilities
    • What People Are Saying
    • FAQs
  • On-Site Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Ambassador Animal Sanctuary Tours
    • Venue for Birthdays and Private Events
    • Future Ecology Center Developments
  • Outreach Programs
  • In-School Programs
  • Book a Service
  • Membership
Menu
  • About Us
    • Mission & Values
    • Meet The Animals
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Facilities
    • What People Are Saying
    • FAQs
  • On-Site Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Ambassador Animal Sanctuary Tours
    • Venue for Birthdays and Private Events
    • Future Ecology Center Developments
  • Outreach Programs
  • In-School Programs
  • Book a Service
  • Membership

About Us

It’s time to turn a little screen time into “green time”! 
Together, let’s unplug and reconnect with Nature – and Human Nature!
Operating in the NH Seacoast region in some form since 2002, today the Wildlife Encounters Ecology & Wellness Center is a private nature-based educational entity that has grown and developed to manage a 77 acre nature preserve in Barrington, NH and a USDA licensed dependent-wildlife sanctuary in Rochester. 
We aim to improve globally-oriented environmental literacy, awareness & engagement to effect positive change for the environment, biodiversity and the health our community and visitors to the region.
Between our two locations, which we hope to eventually consolidate, we offer private guided tour experiences, facilities that can be booked for small gatherings (such as birthdays), and regular events that we host.
As we progress we look to add forest therapy, or guided “forest bathing” experiences, nature-based yoga, on-site retreats, glamping accommodations and more!
Wildlife Encounters offers a Membership Program with an amazing range of benefits, and of course we continue the 20 year long practice of offering and delivering top-quality, professional and humane live-animal educational outreach programs across several New England states.

Learn more below about our Animals, Team, Facilities, and FAQs

Mission & Values

We believe that public education through improving environmental literacy, awareness and engagement can and will facilitate a positive change in human and societal behaviors and practices that are key to the objective of living environmentally and personally responsible lives that will help conserve and protect global biodiversity while maximizing human health and quality of life.
Our philosophy, morality, conduct and messages focus on communicating the interdependent relationship between our three core mission components: Animals, People and Earth.
We are excited to introduce you to our dependent, non-releasable Ambassador Animals that represent a spectrum of native New England wildlife, wildlife native to other habitats across the globe, small animals commonly seen as pets, and domestic farm animal breeds.
Our dedicated staff and animals have been working together since 2002 to connect students and the public with science, conservation, nature & human nature. 
Our animals live with us because they were either: 
  • Injured in the wild and are not able to survive independently, and subsequently placed in our care through a rehabilitation facility. 
  • Exploited by the illegal trade in wildlife and placed with us by law enforcement authorities.
  • Captive-bred in a US-based protected environment to participate in public education and species/biodiversity conservation efforts. 

KEY to Understanding Our Animals!

      • BLACK = NO CONTACT.
      • GREEN = interactive, contact may be allowed at our discretion.
      • Asterisk (*) = only eligible for school presentations and GLOBALtour Encounters
      • Down Arrow (↓) = little animals under 3 pounds (i.e. for the Tiny Creatures Program)
  • Legal restrictions prohibit public contact with many of our animals. 
  • Some animals are retired or not offered for outreach programs
  • Some animals only travel with senior staff, and are only available for outreach in certain situations.

About Our Animals

Featured Sanctuary Tour or Ecology Center Species!

  • NOTE: These animals do NOT participate in  outreach programs or services.
  • Adult African Crested Porcupine – “Domino”
  • African Serval Cat – “Isis”
  • Bennett’s Wallaby – “Savannah”
  • Large American Alligator (6’+) – “Cajun”
  • Large Burmese Python (100+ lbs) – “Nimue”
  • Turkey Vulture – “Ivan”
  • Giant Sulcata Tortoise (100+ lbs) – “Tudor”
  • Red-eyed Tree Frog
  • Axolotls
  • Pony – “Oscar”
  • Sicilian Mini-donkey – “Bambi”
  • Katahdin Hair Sheep
  • Mini-pigs
  • Dwarf Pygmy Goats
  • Adult Male turkey

 MANY MORE ANIMALS may be seen during your visit, but there is always the chance they may be away at a school, library or birthday party…

Farm animals are only able to be visited at the Barrington location.

 

 

Ambassador Animals available for Traveling Outreach Programs - as well as many on-site visitor experiences!

kiah the kangaroo

MAMMALS

* Gray Fox 

* Arctic Fox

* Bennett’s Wallaby

↓ Fennec Fox

North American Opossum

↓ Striped Skunk

Brazilian “Monkey-tailed” Porcupine

South American Coatimundi

* ↓ Brush-tailed Bettong (rat-kangaroo)

↓ Black-tailed Prairie Dog

↓ 3-Banded Armadillo

 Patagonian Cavy / Mara

↓ Chinchilla

↓ African Pygmy Hedgehog

↓ Australian Lesser Flying Phalangers (sugar gliders)

↓ Guinea Pig

REPTILES

↓ Smooth-fronted Caiman

 

↓ American Alligator

 

Black-throated Monitor Lizard

 

Red Tegu Lizard

 

↓ Argentine Black & White Tegu

 

↓ Solomon Island Giant “Monkey-tail” Skink

 

↓ Blue-tongued Skink

 

↓ Australian Bearded Dragon

 

↓ Crested Gecko

 

↓ Leopard Gecko

 

↓ Veiled Chameleon

 

*↓ Burmese Python

 

*↓ Granite Burmese Python 

 

↓ Australian Carpet Python

 

↓ Australian Woma Python

 

↓ African Royal Python (Ball Python)

 

Red-tailed Boa Constrictor

 

↓ California Banded Kingsnake

 

↓ Corn Snake

 

↓ Hognose Snake

 

Sulcata Tortoise

 

Leopard Tortoise

 

Red-footed Tortoise

 

↓ Russian Tortoise

 

↓ Hermann’s Tortoise

 

↓ Box Turtles (3-Toed & Ornate)

 

Northern Snapping Turtles

 

Alligator Snapping Turtles

 

↓ Red-eared Slider Turtle

 

↓ Yellow-bellied Slider

 

↓ Painted Turtle

close up of a bird

BIRDS

Green wing Macaw

 

Blue & Yellow Macaw

 

Moluccan Cockatoo

 

↓ White (Umbrella) Cockato

close up of a frog

AMPHIBIANS & INVERTEBRATES

↓ all species in this category are under 3 lbs

 

Giant Marine Toad (cane toad)

 

Smooth-Sided Toad

 

African Giant Bullfrog

 

Malayan Leaf Frog

 

Australian White’s Tree Frog

 

Tiger Salamanders

 

Madagascan Tomato Frog

 

Red-eyed Tree Frog

 

Gray Tree Frog

 

African Emperor Scorpion

 

Blue Feigning Death Beetles!

 

African Giant Millipede

 

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

 

Dubia Roaches

 

Vinegaroon

 

Curley-haired Tarantula

 

Rose-haired Tarantula

  • NOTE – despite a lack of legal restrictions, we do not allow physical contact with extremely sensitive, or venomous species
children with sheep

FARM ANIMALS

Flemish Giant Rabbit

 

↓ Himalayan Lion-Maned Rabbits

Where would you like to connect with us?

View On-Site Programs
View Outreach Programs

Our Facilities

Our USDA-licensed legacy facility of the last 18 years, features indoor and outdoor habitats for many of our dependent Ambassador Animals, due to the seasonality of our New England climate and the biodiversity of species in our care.

Effective September 2020, we offer small group guided Sanctuary Tours.   Animal on exhibit at any particular visit will vary based on a variety of factors, including the fact that this facility also supports our Community Outreach services.

Check the On-Site Programs page for details and to come visit us!!

Our second USDA-licensed location is 8.6 miles south on Beauty Hill in Barrington.  In the summer of 2017, we secured a deal to preserve the historic 77-acre Swain family farmstead, developing it into a nature preserve, endangered native species protected habitat, and our developing “Ecology & Wellness Center.”

We envision this space offering a unique science and nature-based community education experience here in the NH Seacoast region!   Featuring an old historic farmhouse, a recently re-located barn, and education field at the roadside and a forest full of small ponds, vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, an upland ridge and steep hillsides with small cliffs – the old farm roads and new trails offer opportunities for endless guided immersive learning and experiences!

Neither location features a zoo, nature park or public trails. We are fully insured, as well as licensed/permitted and inspected by the USDA, US Fisheries & Wildlife, NH Fish & Game, and other local, state and federal agencies, authorities and organizations with concern for animal and environmental welfare. Learn more below in our FAQs.

Meet Our Team

The Staff and Education Team at Wildlife Encounters is a small and extremely dedicated group of teachers, naturalists, and animal care professionals that are passionate about education, helping others engage in a healthy lifestyle and understanding the natural world, while of course – helping animals in need.

Derek handling a large snake during a presentation with young kids.

Derek Small

Founder, Director, & Environmental Educator

Derek has been delivering live-animal educational programming in New England since 2002. He is known as an excellent teacher, environmental steward, and professional presenter. He is a member of the Zoological Association of America, the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, and a consultant to Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, among other notable positions.

+ Read More

Jenn holding "Big Bird," 10-year old Cockatoo

Jennifer Gibbs

Environmental Educator & Facility Manager

Jenn is critical to our business and outreach at Wildlife Encounters. A resident of Rochester NH, she has worked with us since 2012 and especially enjoys time with and learning and teaching about our birds. Jenn handles everything from the back of the house operations to program delivery.

+ Read More

Jackie Small

Office Manager, Social Media Manager & Wellness Facilitator

As of spring 2021 Jackie has started to share her passions for animals and nature by delivering small outreach programs, guiding private sanctuary tours and event experiences at the Ecology Center property.

Jackie is a super-mom of 3 kids, is obsessed with frogs and lives in Barrington, NH.  She & Derek married at the ecology center in September 2022 and shortly thereafter they launched the “Wildlife & Wellness Retreat” program which she is spearheading along with other wellness related services.

If you call or email to book a program, visit or register for an event – Jackie will likely be the one on the other end of the phone or email!

+ Read More

Colby Perron

Environmental Educator

Colby joined our Education Team in the summer of 2021 and is a resident of Biddeford, Maine.

+ Read More

Employee Jean holding a kangaroo

Jean Cumings

Animal Behavior Enrichment Coordinator & Senior Environmental Educator

Jean has spent her life studying, caring for, and teaching about animals. She grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from U Mass Amherst with a BS in Natural Resource Studies. She taught middle and high school biology and zoology for over 30 years and has spent countless hours volunteering in wildlife rehabilitation and educational facilities. We are lucky to have her!

+ Read More

Emily Karger

Environmental Educator

+ Read More

Faith holding a snake

Faith Dittmar

Ambassador Care & Enrichment Consultant

Faith has been a part of the Wildlife Encounters “family” for many years.  Today working full time in the veterinary medical field, her expertise in particular in the housing, care and enrichment if our ectotherms and invertebrates is a valuable resource for our team – and we are so fortunate to have Faith’s support and assistance to support us.

+ Read More

Rick and Jenn together

Rick Gibbs

Environmental Educator

Rick is a key part of the “Penn & Teller-style” live animal presentations he delivers with his wife, Jenn, every summer at Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA and other locations throughout the greater Seacoast area.

+ Read More

Meghan Fernandes

Environmental Educator

Meghan is a science teacher in the Salem, NH School District. A more complete profile is coming soon.

+ Read More

We are always looking for individuals who are skilled and want to share their passion!   Feel free to connect with us anytime regarding opportunities to work with our team as a volunteer, intern or even employee!

Join our Education Team
animal habitat

Ambassador Animal Facility

Rochester, NH

(603) 923-1168

[email protected] 

 

OFFERING

 Private Sanctuary Tours

Outreach & Educational Services

Call or contact us online took book!

Take A Tour
wildlife encounters ecology center and farm school map

Ecology & Wellness Center

270 Beauty Hill Road

Barrington, NH 03825

(603) 923-1168

[email protected] 

OFFERING

Private Farm Tours & Nature Hikes 

Environmental Seminars & Events

Explore Eco Center Opportunities
derek smalls headshot with iguana

In The Cloud (Virtual)

Serving Anywhere & Everywhere! 

(603) 923-1168

[email protected] 

 

OFFERING 

Animal Presentations – Wildlife Encounters!

Perfect for classrooms, camps, community recreation programs and more, all managed through screen sharing services like Zoom!

Take A Tour
What People Are Saying
My husband and I are big animal lovers so we thought it would be fun some animals at our wedding weekend. A bit unconventional but Wildlife Encounters was the perfect way to go. We got to choose 7 animals from an extensive list-including our favorite, the coati. Derek and Megan put on a great presentation and kept both the adults and the children riveted. (Sometimes I think the adults were more into than the kids.) It's clear that the animals are respected and well-cared for. I highly recommend one of their presentations.

– Dana
What People Are Saying
Saw Meaghan today at the Freedom Town Hall Wildlife Encounters presentation that was part of Old Homes Week. She was absolutely outstanding! I have never been to a better presentation on anything. Her informative presentation was excellent for adults as well as the kids. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed it. She kept a positive happy environment even though the room was very noisy and too many people were talking so it was hard to hear her. She managed to maintain great composure and still speak above the noise. She must be a gem to this organization.

– Karen
Previous
Next

FAQs

Is Wildlife Encounters a zoo?

No.  Though some of our legal permits and inspections are the same that Zoo’s are required to maintain and pass, neither our Ambassador Animal Sanctuary nor the Ecology Center & Farm School property in Barrington are zoos or public nature parks where the public can just visit unannounced and pay admission.  All of our services at this time are offered by appointment / booking and are guided or instructor-led experiences.   Worth noting however that the owners and some staff are however professional members of various zoological, wildlife and conservation entities and many have degrees in biology, ecology, sustainable agriculture, conservation and more.

Where are your outreach programs offered?

We are licensed / permitted as necessary to import and exhibit our Ambassador Animals in the following New England states – NH, ME, MA, VT & CT.  *Some animals do not do outreach, some farm animals do not leave NH, and some services are offered for a limited travel distance.  Presentations offered ANYWERE online through Zoom, Google Meets, and more!

What organizations is Wildlife Encounters part of?
We support and/or are members of a number of “zoological and conservation industry” entities such as: the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), the Feline Conservation Federation (FCF), the Green Alliance (GA), the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund and many more!
 
Do you breed your animals?

The most fundamental biological mandate of all living things is to reproduce and pass on it’s genetic traits. It is the root of all biological desires and behaviors, and the most natural “right” of all things to pursue in the attempt to ensure the survival of it’s species.  The conservation of biodiversity and preservation / restoration of populations of many plants and animals, from the American Chestnut Tree to the California Condor depend strongly on well managed captive breeding programs, which we strongly support, but do not participate in directly. 

Do you participate in conservation efforts?

We directly invested in and work daily to conserve the habitats and species that call home, our 77 acre nature preserve.  Education of the public on conservation issues so they can make informed decisions with regard to land management, goods & food consumption and more is a pillar of our daily efforts.  We also actively support, advocate for and network with our peers and friends with complimentary missions, from our local Conservation Commission, to our state agency, the the NWF & WWF. 

Though we do not currently participate in any of the reproductive conservation efforts (AMP/SSP) for captive propagation of endangered species, we do support and advocate for them so long as they are conducted ethically and as naturally as possible. Furthermore, we fundamentally disagree with and strongly oppose the efforts by small ideologically-driven segments of society to deprive domestic and wild animals and plants of their reproductive rights – and further oppose their long term agenda of domestic animal extinction and exclusion of animals from human society. 

Are you licensed?

Yes. We are fully licensed and permitted, regularly visited and/or inspected by and in compliance with: the City of Rochester, Town of Barrington, Rochester PD/Animal Control, NH Fish & Game, NH Department of Agriculture, USDA, and US Fisheries & Wildlife.

Do you have marketing assets available for public use?

Yes.

Wildlife Encounters® Logo Banner with animals – for community outreach program advertising.

Wildlife Encounters Ecology & Wellness Center – official entity logo    

Join Us On Social

Follow Us On Instagram | Follow Us On Facebook

farm-school-animal-education
person interacting with two parrots
employee with animal at wildlife encounters new hampshire
derek holding a snake

About Us

Mission & Values
Events Calendar
Meet The Animals
Meet The Team
Our Facilities
What People Are Saying
FAQs

On-Site Programs

Ecology Center Visits, Hikes & Private Events
Ecology Center Seminars & Events
Ambassador Animal Sanctuary Tours

Live & Virtual Outreach Programs

School Outreach & Enrichment Programs

Membership

Book My Encounter

Our Locations:

Nature Preserve / Business Mailing Address

Wildlife Encounters Ecology & Wellness Center
270 Beauty Hill Rd, Barrington, NH 03825

USDA Licensed Ambassador Animal Sanctuary

Rochester, NH 03867

(check your reservation confirmation for exact address, parking details, etc)
Facebook Instagram Youtube

(603) 923-1168
[email protected]

Privacy | Copyright | Terms

Site design by DARCI