Take a walk on the wild side

Why not take a walk on the WILD SIDE for your next kids party?

As a professional zoologist and a wildlife fanatic, I have been teaching kids about all things WILD for over 25 years! The one thing that still puzzles me most from children when I teach them about animals is the outcry ”I’m not an animal!”, and I sigh… yes you are!”

In my opinion, children these days are far removed from nature. I spent most of my youth jumping the back-fence of the family home in the search for blue-tongued lizards, tadpoles and even Sshhhh snakes!

How can we possibly conserve the remaining wild places on our planet, and the animals and plants which inhabit them, if kids don’t have an intrinsic love and compassion for them? This is where zoo parties come into play! Why not celebrate your next child’s birthday, and at the same time give them a passion for nature and wildlife. Your children will have such a fun and adrenalin packed time…. they won’t realise that they are learning too!

It’s overwhelming to discover how many reptile, farm and zoo party operators are out there in the market place. Like all industries, some animal parties are good and some absolutely ‘SHONKY!’ The purpose of this article is to give you a few tips on what to look for, and to help make your child’s birthday the WILDEST and most memorable of them all!

The beauty of a reptile party or zoo party is that the animals are brought to your event or party. Kids can have the amazing opportunity to touch and interact with a wide variety of Australian animals. This interactive concept provides for a truly three- dimensional experience, unlike a large zoo in which the animals are kept behind glass or in an enclosure.

Not only should a zoo party be fun and entertaining it must have an educational element. For me, there is nothing more gratifying than encouraging children to get in touch with their wild side.

The first of my tips is to do your homework. Talk to your friends, colleagues and read testimonials about any wildlife company.

The company must not only handle and control the animals, but also manage and engage 30 ’rowdy’ kids. Most zoo parties run for one hour. Does the Company need to setup outside, or can the party show be performed indoors. It’s probably a good idea to vacate your pets for the day, after all you’d hate for them to be on the menu for the visiting wildlife!

Were the animals in good condition? Did the creatures look stressed? Did the presenter have a good knowledge of their wildlife? Did all of the kids get a chance to touch and hold the animals?

Make sure that the company you are choosing is ethical and conservation minded. A zoo party shouldn’t just be a ‘free for all’ in handling animals. Don’t be scared to ask questions about where the animals are kept, the experience, qualifications and background of the operator, and how long they have been operating for. Compare web sites and ask exactly which animals will attend your party. Anyone who displays wildlife in the State of Victoria must be licensed with the Victorian State Government, Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

At present there are over 30 wildlife demonstration companies performing children’s parties with wildlife in Victoria. It’s also a good idea to ask to see a copy of a company’s Public Liability Insurance. If the individual is ‘coy’ about this, then it’s best to keep searching. It’s buyer beware I’m afraid!

One thing that I can guarantee you is that your birthday child will remember a zoo party for the rest of their lives…..I mean who wouldn’t! Imagine having a koala, crocodile, behemoth python snake, kissable frog, endangered owls, fresh-water turtle, eye-licking leaf-tailed gecko, giant monitor lizard, laughing kookaburra (which actually laughs I might add), baby joey kangaroo…and so much more inhabit your lounge room!

A zoo party should be fun, yet educational to empower young minds to make a difference to conserve. Oh and make sure your party guests 100% wash their hands. This is of paramount importance before the party food is served.

It’s such a refreshing idea to move away from super hero parties, fairy themes and magic shows, and let your kids discover the gift of wonderment, beauty and life pulsating joy in Australian wildlife….or is that just me?

Well…regardless of your position, the photos and memories will be priceless! I’m even sure that some of the photos taken will end up ‘show-cased’ at your child’s 21st!

By Chris Humphrey, Wild Action www.wildaction.com.au