Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos for Schools

---

LOOKING FOR EDUCATIONAL AND FUN ANIMAL EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR SCHOOL?  WE'RE A FIELD TRIP THAT COMES TO YOU- NO BUS REQUIRED!

We provide innovative enrichment programs for preschool, K-6 and older children in a variety of settings including public and private schools, pods, micro-schools, homeschool centers, summer camps and more. All animals are presented in a kind, non-threatening manner. Contact with animals, when school-approved, is never mandatory. Students are required to wash or sanitize hands before and after touching animals.

Our presenters are dynamic, knowledgeable and safety-conscious. We tailor each presentation to the needs of the educator, presenting relevant and age-appropriate content in a dynamic, interactive and entertaining manner that reinforces curricula and helps generate STEM interest among students.  

We are USDA licensed, APHIS inspected, and insured. We carefully follow all regulations and guidelines for exhibiting animals, and are happy to work with parents or school administrators to address any concerns or school-specific policies that may exist. Certificate of Insurance (COI) provided upon booking if desired.

Have special needs students? Let us know so we can modify our presentation to meet their needs and abilities!

ENCOUNTERS PROGRAM RATES FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS, ASSEMBLIES, AND SUMMER CAMPS:

$385 1st hour, $150 per additional 1/2 hour (ALL ENCOUNTERS PROGRAMS)

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

50% non-refundable deposit required at booking.  Balance due on or before day of event. 

Classroom programs can vary in price depending on your needs and numbers of students. Hands-on school encounters are for 15 children or less in a session. Sessions can be 20-60 minutes with a 5-10 minute transition between sessions. For larger groups wanting a hands-on experience, we can add an additional presenter for a fee. Don't see exactly what you're looking for? Customized programming is available- we'll work with you to tailor a great fit.

ANIMALS LISTED ARE FOR 60 MINUTE PROGRAMS. 30 MINUTE PROGRAMS MAY HAVE AN ALTERED ANIMAL LIST TO FIT INTO SHORTENED TIME PERIOD.

PROGRAMS:

NEW programs added for 2024!

NOCTURNAL WONDERS- NEW

Want to know more about night creatures? This program will explore, how when the sun goes down, some of the world's most amazing animals not only survive but thrive in darkness!

Program animals include: Dumeril's ground boa, nine-banded armadillo, sugar glider and hedgehog,  Also included are two animals that fluoresce (glow in the dark under UV blacklight) the short-tailed opossum and scorpion!

PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE- NEW

This program focuses on the characteristics of different habitats and how animals survive in them. Meet a prehensile tailed skink from an island rainforest, bearded dragon from the desert, tortoise from the grasslands, chinchillas from the mountains, African pygmy hedgehog or African crested porcupine from the savanna and hognose snake from the forest.

_____________________________

AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS 

Studying Australia? We provide reinforcing content through interactions with a variety of amazing animals. We touch on geography, habitat, conservation and, especially, the incredible adaptations of animals found nowhere else. 

Includes: Bennett's Wallaby, Sugar Gliders, Blue Tongued Skink, Bearded Dragons, Frilled Lizard, Spotted Python, and Carpet Python.

______________________________

SOUTH AMERICAN ANIMALS

South America provides a diverse range of habitats for many unique inhabitants. Learn how animals survive in rainforests, deserts and mountain environments. Includes Nine-Banded Armadillo, Short tailed opossum, Chinchilla, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Giant Red Tegu, Red-footed Tortoise, Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula.

______________________________

MAMMALS

What makes mammals unique?  We'll explore the diversity of mammals and how they care for their young.  Includes Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Bennett's Wallaby, Nine-Banded Armadillo.

______________________________ 

AMAZING ARTHROPODS (BUGS)!

Learn about adaptations, exoskeletons, defense mechanisms, and more! Many creatures can be held - all can be viewed close-up with lighted magnifiers (provided). See scorpions glow under a black light - an exciting and informative program!

Includes: Tarantula, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Vinegaroon, Flat Rock Scorpion, Millipedes, Blue Death-feigning Beetles, Tanzanian Tailless Whipscorpions, and more! 

______________________________

REPTILES AND MORE REPTILES

Our reptile program provides an educational and entertaining opportunity to interact with and study some amazing animals. All of our program animals are uniquely suited to being handled by children and exhibit excellent representations of the amazing adaptations and behaviors present in the reptile world.

Typically includes: 2 species of python, 2 species of boa constrictors, bearded dragons, blue tongued skink, monkey tailed skink and tortoise.

______________________________

AMAZING ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS 

​Are your students studying how animal’s bodies and behavior uniquely help them to survive? We can bring a variety of creatures with some of the most amazing adaptations on the planet. This gives your students a chance to witness and interact with these animals up close and right in the classroom!

Includes: Giant Vinegaroon, Blue Tongue Skink, Nine Banded Armadillo, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Bennett's Wallaby, hognose snake....  Animal line-up is flexible. 

______________________________

FUR, FEATHERS AND SCALES

Why do animals have fur, feathers or scales?  Get up close to fascinating animals while learning about the role of animal coverings and discover some of the basic differences between mammals, birds and reptiles.  Includes Chinchilla, Short tailed opossum (a mammal who's fur fluoresces), Nine-banded Armadillo, Bearded Dragon, Python, Bantam Chicken and Tortoise.

_______________________________

MAMMALS AND REPTILES

Why is one animal classified as a mammal and another a a reptile?  This program will have students interact with some fuzzy and scaly favorites to find out. Included are Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchilla, two species of lizards, two species of snakes and tortoise.

_______________________________

MOBILE PETTING ZOOS

Perfect for kids of preschool age and up, our mobile petting zoo is a great way to give students a hands-on experience with animals which emphasizes kindness and empathy.  We work in many settings, including public and private preschools, K-8 and high schools, day care centers, summer camps and more. Petting zoos can be held outdoors or inside and can be configured in many shapes and sizes. Our knowledgeable staff will share age-appropriate information about the animals and help children have safe, calm and positive animal interactions.
Session lengths typically range from 10-20 minutes with 5 minute transitions. For Preschool and Kindergarten children we recommend 10 minute sessions. Ideal group size per session is 10-15 minutes  for school age children, 10 or less for younger kids.  

Our petting zoos include: Bennett's Wallaby, Patagonian Mara, Pygmy/Dwarf Goats, Rabbits and Bantam Chickens. Two or more handlers will work with your students to ensure everyone has a great time and provide age-appropriate information about the animals. We provide touch tables for our rabbits and chickens at child height for comfortable interactions. 

PETTING ZOO pricing is based on several factors.  Contact us for a quote today! One hour events start at $485 per hour.

50% non-refundable deposit required at booking.  Balance due on day of event.
Travel charge: $.95/mile (distance calculated using Google Maps and based on a round trip from south Issaquah, WA 98027). 

  
Our visit can range from an hour to all day. We'll work with your team to determine session lengths, group sizes, setup location, and other details. We'll be there rain or shine and our rates include canopies and lighting as needed. 

 
We provide hand sanitizer and require all children to use sanitizer or wash hands before and after handling animals. Children with special needs are welcome- please let us know if they'll be participating so we can help ensure they have a great experience!

SCHOOL CARNIVAL OR OTHER LARGE EVENT?

  
We provide petting zoos for many school carnivals, beginning/end of school year celebrations and de-stressing events for college students. Let us know what you're planning and we'll bring a fun and fantastic program!