The Darien Nature Center is seeking sponsors for the many critters it cares for.

Cherry Lawn Park in Darien is home to amenities including a playground, community gardens and areas for hiking.

The park is also home to Darien Nature Center, which houses more than 30 animals including Seymour the bunny, Paz and Paloma the doves, and Sydney the bearded dragon.

Molly Roberston, lead environmental educator and animal care director, says caring for the animals is expensive.

"They need vet care, bedding, someone to cleaning them, so it all adds up," Roberston says.

As a nonprofit, the Darien Nature Center says it relies on donations from the public to care for its residents.

One of the ways the nature center raises money around the holiday season is through its 'Sponsor an Animal' program.

Over the years, the program has become a popular gift for the kids during the holidays.

Robertson says if a family sponsors Karma the chameleon, for example, the family will be given a figurine or stuffed animal that looks like Karma. The family can also come to the nature center for a playdate with Karma, and the family's name will be on the reptile's enclosure for three months to a year, depending on the sponsorship amount. 

Sponsorships begin at $250. Click here for more information.