Our presenter will arrive at the venue in plenty of time, unpack the animals and check them all before the first show starts.

The show itself will start out with our presenter listing the golden rules and will then go on to introduce the topic (if there is one) then work through the subject using the animals as "props". Animals will be taken round during the shows (6-8 of them in an hour) and children will be allowed to handle them where appropriate (only a few of our animals are not suitable for handling). No-one is forced to hold or touch an animal they don't want to though our presenter will offer some gentle encouragement.

At the end of each show the audience will be thanked and asked to remember to wash their hands.

If the school feel it appropriate our presenter would be very happy to remain in the school after home time to allow teachers and parents the chance to see and handle the animals too. There is no extra charge for this service so please speak to us if you think this option is for you.

Here are some questions we have been asked about out shows and animals which we have answered honestly.

Q) What do you mean by "animal handling"?

A) What we mean is handling various animals, either holding the entire animal itself or stroking a part of the animal.

Q) Who handles the animals?

A) Anyone can have a go of handling out animals, children, teachers and parents alike have enjoyed doing so. Our presenter will keep an appropriate degree of control over the animal at all times.

Q) Are the animals safe?

A) No animal we use in our shows has the ability to inflict serious injury to a person. None of the animals we use for handling have ever bitten or shown threatening behaviour whilst in our care. Animals that are more likely to bite or sting such as our tarantulas and scorpion are not offered for handling but instead taken round in secure containers.

Q) Do you have to touch them if you don't want to?

A) No one is forced to touch an animal they don't wish to. However we do aim to encourage children to touch where possible and our presenter will offer a compromise if they do not wish to handle an animal the way other children have. For example instead of holding a snake a child may feel better simply stroking it while the snakes head is held out of the way by our presenter. Likewise some children may not want a rat sitting on their shoulder but will stroke it while it sits on our presenters hand.

Q) Do the animals run around the class?

A) No, our presenter will not allow animals loose in the classroom.

Q) Can any of the animals carry diseases?

A) Reptiles can carry salmonella in their gut which is why we encourage hand washing and remind younger children to keep their hands away from their faces.

Q) Can any of the animals bite?

A) The only animals that might bite or sting are the tarantulas and scorpion and these are not offered to the audience to hold. A rat, snake, rabbit or gecko could certainly bite if it really wanted to but none of ours ever have. New surroundings tend to make them behave themselves very well as they are more interested in new scents and sounds.

Q) I'm a teacher/parent, can I join in and handle the animals too?

A) Not only can you join in but we would encourage you to do so. Children learn by example and so seeing their teacher/parent handling an animal means they are less likely to fear it. We will stay in the school afterwards for a short time if other teachers and parents wish to see or handle the animals.

Q) Who looks after the animals?

A) The animals are all kept as pets and are taken home to be looked after by our presenter.