HANDS-ON ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

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PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR ENCOUNTER PROGRAMS ARE NOT THE SAME AS OUR PETTING ZOOS. THEY HAVE DIFFERENT BOOKING CALENDARS, AVAILABILITY AND RESTRICTIONS. WHEN FILLING OUT A CONTACT FORM PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE PROGRAM YOU ARE REQUESTING.

Our mobile ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS for age 4 and up are a perfect fit for small birthday parties, preschools, senior groups, clubs and scout troops. Encounters are presented "show-and-tell" style: we provide age-appropriate interesting facts about the animals and participants get a chance to touch and (usually) hold them. Bench seating is provided for 12 participants. If you have a larger school- check out the "for schools" tab.

While many of our programs are for children, we also do many adult events: office de-stressing, parties, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, weddings and more. Just ask!

Like all our programs, Encounters are presented in a gentle, animal-positive way which demonstrates kind, empathetic and calm interactions with our animal friends. We encourage kids to show these behaviors and provide plenty of positive reinforcement when they do. Since animals aren't "running loose" you can expect minimal mess- even for indoor events. 

As Encounters for children are very hands-on and have a single presenter, we have a strict cap of 15 participants (adult spectators aren't counted). Ideal party size for younger children is 12 or less- we provide "soccer benches" to seat up to 12. If you expect a larger group of kids please consider our mobile petting zoo. We can do adult only encounters as well.

PROGRAM RATES:

ALL ENCOUNTER PROGRAMS- $385 for 45 min to 1 hour

Travel charge: .95/mile  (Travel distance is calculated using Google Maps and is based on a round trip from south Issaquah, WA 98027). 

CHOOSE FROM ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS:

AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS (one hour) - awesome creatures from down under:

Bennett's Wallaby, Sugar Glider, Blue Tongued Skink, Bearded Dragons, Frilled Lizard, Spotted Python, and Carpet Python. Learn about habitat, diet and conservation while handling and holding amazing animals. Children can visit our wallaby in her pen for a hands-on experience! Best suited to ages 4+.

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CUTE AND CUDDLY (45 minutes) - soft and gentle animals kids love to handle-age 4 and up only:

Chinchillas, Rabbits, and Guinea Pigs! We bring our unique Bunny Bags - soft fleece cuddle bags to cradle each animal for petting fun and benches for seating. At least one animal per child. Our most popular program for young children, we provide plenty of animal-handling guidance and age-appropriate information.

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CUTE AND SCALY (one hour) - by popular demand and now our most popular program for kids 4 and up!

We start with a half-hour of Cute and Cuddly creatures, then clean hands and switch to easy to handle, docile reptiles for the second half-hour. Includes Bunnies, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs, and an assortment of reptiles such as Ball Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Bearded Dragons, Blue Tongue Skink and more! A great program for ages 4+.

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REPTILES AND MORE REPTILES (one hour) age 4 and up- scaly creatures from around the world:

Typically includes: Ball Python, Bearded Dragons, Corn Snake, Blue Tongued Skink, Kenyan Sand Boa, Frilled Lizard, Spotted Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa and more. Most can be held- all can be touched. All animals are carefully presented in a gentle, non-threatening manner. Must be held indoors if temperature is below 55 degrees.

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BUGS! (one hour) - fascinating creepers and crawlers:

Animals typically included are: Tarantula, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Vinegaroon, Flat Rock Scorpions, Millipedes, Blue Death-feigning Beetles, Tanzanian Tailless Whipscorpions and others. Learn about adaptations, exoskeletons, defense mechanisms, and more! Many creatures can be held. See scorpions glow under a black light. An exciting and informative program-best suited to ages 4 and up! Must be held indoors if temperature is below 55 degrees or above 80 degrees.

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REPTILES AND BUGS! (one hour) - a great mix for both bug and reptile enthusiasts:

A great mix of interesting reptiles and invertebrates from around the world- most can be held. A fun and educational experience for ages 4 and up. Must be held indoors if temperature is below 55 degrees or above 80 degrees. 

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BEFORE YOU BOOK:

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance is due upon completion of the program. 

We do not do any encounter programs in public parks even in rented shelters, sorry.

For large events we do have a bug/reptile education petting booth.

All programs can be provided indoors or outside (with some temperature restrictions and shade/cover required) - Please note that an indoor back up location must be available if an outdoor party is planned. We set up in family rooms, yards, garages, driveways, classrooms, churches, barns and more.  When you book with us, we'll discuss the particulars of your event location and help choose and ideal setup spot. Setup and cleanup typically takes 15 minutes each each. Reserved parking must be available.

We provide hand sanitizer and request all participants wash or sanitize hands before and after handling animals for the health and safety of our animals and your humans.

We reserve the right to make "day of event" decisions regarding the animals we bring- once in a while we determine that an animal is not up for handling on a particular day. If so, we will substitute for a like animal. For settings other than your home, any permissions and permits that may be required are the responsibility of the client to obtain in advance.