The National Aviary just added 10 new animal ambassadors to its collection, and not all of them are birds.

The group arrived from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s former Live Animal Ambassador Program, which had a 10-year run. Cathy Schlott, director of animal programs and experiences at the aviary, says the transfer was two months in the making.

“As animals are getting comfortable, we’re doing the training and having them come out to meet people,” Schlott says. “We have already started incorporating them into educational programs.”

In addition to a skunk painting encounter and “Meet-Cutes” with four-toed hedgehogs named Doris and Betty, the aviary plans to introduce its new free-flight show called, “Passport to Parks” in April.

Schlott says that creating a new show with lights and music is a huge undertaking. There, the striped skunk ambassadors, Gouda and Pepper Jack, will take turns performing alongside other animals.

While the full list of the new show’s animals has yet to be released, previously featured animals include green-winged macaws, a gray crowned-crane and a southern three-banded armadillo.

Until that show begins, guests can see Gouda daily at 3:15 p.m., except when the Aviary is closed on Tuesdays, for the skunk painting encounter. Those who register can watch him walk through paints on canvas while he’s fed treats. Additionally, they will learn about skunks and the role they play in the environment.

And there’s no need to worry about the smell or getting sprayed; both striped skunks have had their scent glands removed.

Other programming with the new ambassador animals includes a four-toed hedgehog meet-cute. The event is exclusive to March and is held every day beginning at 1:15 p.m.

Then in April during the Aviary’s “Eggstravaganza” there will be an opportunity to meet with the new skink ambassadors, a type of lizard.

“We really want to share the information about how biodiversity and all animals share their ecosystems and the importance of protecting those ecosystems for all the animals that live in them,” Schlott says.

The other four species of animal ambassadors include a chameleon, tortoise, pied crow and American kestrel. These animals are considered ambassadors based on their ability to do educational programming. They’re trained through positive reinforcement.

“Not everyone is an ambassador,” Schlott says. “But to be an ambassador, you have to be really comfortable around people.”

The National Aviary is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and is closed on Tuesdays.