In San Angelo, our community’s passion for animal welfare is strong.
We tend to rally around lost pets and local rescues. But what about the creatures that rarely get the spotlight – the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates?
Enter Mad Mouse Zoodio, a colorful sanctuary for these often-overlooked animals. They are on a mission to create a better world for these creatures while helping the public understand what makes them extraordinary.
Founders Tim Maddox and Kay LeBrasseur are superhero schoolteachers by day and passionate wildlife educators by night.
Together, they operate the Mad Mouse Zoodio and help the community understand the nuances of the animals in their care.
What began as a project in their backyard shed in 2017 has since grown into a magical, living world where misunderstood creatures are celebrated and loved.
When you step into the Mad Mouse Zoodio, you are transported to another world.
Despite its relatively small space, the Zoodio feels like it goes on forever, every corner alive with creatures you may not have otherwise ever seen or recognized.
Greenery drapes from the ceiling, and nature-inspired artwork by local artists hangs on the walls around you.
The air is lightly humid, the lighting is low, and you can hear the quiet hum of the animals around you. To your right, rows of terrariums line the wall, housing wonderful creatures of various shapes and sizes.
They invite admiration from a respectful distance. To your left, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Bobita, the locally-famous tortoise, full of personality. You may even get to have your picture taken with her during your visit.
For some visitors, a trip to the Mad Mouse Zoodio isn’t just a chance to learn – it’s an opportunity to face their fears and approach these animals with deeper understanding.
It’s natural for some to tense up when “creepy crawlies” are nearby, but Tim and Kay are patient guides, and they’re always happy to help people get over those fears.
At your own pace, they will guide you through safe, gentle interactions. By the end of the tour, even the most snake-fearing among us may find ourselves looking at these creatures with curiosity and appreciation rather than dread and fear.
What to Expect
When visiting the Mad Mouse Zoodio, you’ll find an eclectic mix of creatures, each with its own individual personalities and quirks. Tim and Kay remind us that these animals are just as unique as the mammal companions we’re used to – and if you get to know them well enough, you may even catch a glimpse of their humor.
But it’s not all butterflies and bullfrogs – these owners are deeply aware of the stigmas associated with these creatures – and these misunderstandings can sometimes leave to unnecessary killing of these animals in the wild.
“While they may look a little bizarre, and have way more or less legs than us, they are all deserving of life and admiration for what makes them unique,” Tim shared.
Kay added, “More people get bitten by dogs each year than spiders and snakes. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dog… but if the fear is from bites, it puts things in perspective.”
Tim and Kay challenge curious pet owners to do their research before investing in a new pet, keeping in mind that every animal is unique.
No matter the shape, size, or number of scales, each one deserves to thrive in an environment and lifestyle suited to their individual needs.
Latest News from the Zoodio
Mad Mouse Zoodio recently received its official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Tim and Kay are planning exciting updates in the coming months and look forward to sharing more soon. They also recently welcomed a new resident: Tweedledee, the barred tiger salamander. Stop by to make a new friend and learn more about this incredible species.
To visit the Zoodio, head to the Chicken Farm Art Center, 2505 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month, or schedule a private tour in advance by calling or sending a Facebook message.
Tours are always free, but donations are encouraged to help the Zoodio continue its mission.
And if Tim and Kay don’t answer right away, feel free to text or leave a voicemail.
