Why Tenrecs Don’t Make Great Pets (But You Can Still Meet Them at Our Tenrec Tea Parties!)

Flower - one of our adorable tenrecs

Ever seen an adorable tenrec online and thought, “I want one!”? 🐾 We get it — these tiny insect-eating mammals look like a mix between a hedgehog and a mouse, and they’re incredibly cute. But before you go searching for “tenrec for sale,” let’s talk about why these fascinating little creatures aren’t suitable as pets — and how you can still enjoy their company safely and ethically with Scaly Safari’s Tenrec Tea Parties. ☕🦔

🐾 What Exactly Is a Tenrec?

Tenrecs are small mammals native to Madagascar, and they come in all shapes and sizes — from shrew-like tenrecs to the spiky lesser hedgehog tenrec we use in our experiences. They’re nocturnal, insectivorous, and rely on very specific heat and humidity levels to stay healthy.

At Scaly Safari, we adore our tenrecs and provide them with the perfect environment — but that’s not easy to recreate in a regular home!

Tilly - one of our adorable tenrecs

❌ 5 Reasons Tenrecs Don’t Make Good Pets

1. They Need Tropical Conditions
   Tenrecs need a large, warm and humid enclosure — not too hot, not too cold — just like Madagascar! Maintaining the right balance requires specialised heating, monitoring, and humidity control.

2. They’re Nocturnal (So They’ll Be Asleep When You’re Awake)
   Tenrecs are most active at night. During the day, they prefer to snooze — not exactly ideal if you’re hoping for a cuddly daytime companion!

3. They Can Be Fragile and Sensitive
   Unlike cats or dogs, tenrecs are delicate creatures that don’t enjoy excessive handling. They can become stressed easily, and stress can lead to health problems.

4. They Have a Very Specific Diet
   Tenrecs eat a mix of insects, worms, and specialist foods — not something you can grab from the supermarket. Their diet needs to be perfectly balanced to avoid nutritional issues.

5. They’re a Long-Term, Specialist Commitment
   A tenrec can live for up to 10 years! That’s a decade of expert care — and because exotic vets are rare, proper medical treatment can be difficult (and expensive) to find.

6. Bonus Reason: They Smell!

   Tenrecs - especially males - are prone to having very strong-smelling urine (which happens to smell like marijuana).

Dolly - our beloved tenrec who is sadly no longer with us (and we miss her so much!)

💚 So… How Can You Meet One Safely?

Here’s the good news! You can meet, handle, and learn all about tenrecs — without taking one home — through our Tenrec Tea Parties. 🎀

Perfect for children aged 6–10, these magical, vintage-style parties combine a calm tea party setup with the chance to meet two of our friendly tenrecs in person. Children get to watch them explore, learn fascinating facts, and even enjoy cute butterfly tattoos afterwards!

It’s an unforgettable, educational experience — and a safe, ethical way to get up close to these wonderful animals.

🎉 About Our Tenrec Tea Parties

✨ For ages: 6–10
✨ Duration: 1 hour
✨ Includes: 2 adorable tenrecs, vintage tea setup, butterfly tattoos
✨ Group size: Up to 6 children
✨ Price: £195
✨ Held: At your home (indoors - or outdoors, weather-permitting)

Our parties are fully insured, DBS-checked, and led by professional animal handlers who prioritise both animal welfare and child safety.

Guests at a Tenrec Tea Party

🫖 Book Your Tenrec Tea Party Today!

If your little one dreams of meeting an animal as unique as a tenrec, give them the experience of a lifetime — no heat lamps or insect diets required!

👉 Book your Tenrec Tea Party with Scaly Safari today and bring the wonder of Madagascar right to your garden table.