Spotlight on Souvenirs

Wildlife Gifts (From page 98) our two most popular animals, giraffes and fennec foxes,” noted Guest Services Manager Scarlet Behrens Behrens mostly groups her merchandise by categories, but best-selling plush is divided between different kinds of displays, “depending on whether they are more natural-looking, or more brightly colored,” she explained. “Also, we have a new exhibit, I will usually do a special display of that animal.”

Perhaps the most unique section of Niabi’s gift shop is a section in the gift shop dedicated to animal art — not art portraying the animals, but “art that specific animals have painted on a canvas,” explained Behrens. Along with each painting, customers receive a certificate attesting to the talented critters’ work by name. Will Fluffy the prairie dog be the next Picasso? At the very least, it’s a conversation piece. ❖

What Are Your Most Unique Wildlife Themed Items?

“Our collection of wired animals made out of recycled bottle caps in Kenya - palm-sized turtles, ostriches, giraffes, elephants. They’re really cute, and they’re interesting because those are bottle caps we wouldn’t necessarily see here in the U.S.” - General Manager Amanda Brouillette, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, Sioux Falls, N.D.

“African painted dog figurines made from snare wire that our conservation partner, Painted Dog Research Trust in Zimbabwe, removes in order to protect this endangered species from poachers’ traps. The wire is shaped into artisan pieces; every purchase supports the dogs and the communities working to protect them.” - Guest Service Manager Scarlet Behrens, Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, Ill.

“We just started stocking some African-themed sauces - hot sauces, marinades, that kind of thing, and the proceeds go to wildlife conservation in Africa.” – Guest Services Manager Lauren Crochet, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores, Ala.

“We have lots of interesting variations on snakes — wooden snakes, sequined snakes, different types of plush. There’s a real fascination with snakes, especially for the younger kids.” — Owner Joan Lupa, Lupa Zoo, Ludlow, Mass.

“For Christmas, I’m bringing in a lot of customized products like new ornament designs, hoping we can cover everyone’s needs.” — Store Manager Lisa Hurd, Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, Mass. ❖