Critters & Conservation

up to 200 miles or 3 hours from zip 25438

Our critters include parrots, amphibians, reptiles, hedgehogs, invertebrates, and a toucan! We have 25 species to choose from. Typical shows last one hour and have 5 animals of your choice. Shorter shows or ones with more animals are also available.

Live animal assemblies cover vertebrate classification, invertebrates, basic biology, animal behavior, food webs, camouflage, conservation, animal jobs, the importance of biodiversity, and more! Themes are customized to your curriculum, such as vertebrates vs. invertebrates, African animals, nocturnal animals, Australian animals, Asian animals, animals from around the world, and more. Assemblies are for audiences sized 10 - 100. In large groups, students can pet 1 animal at the end of the show. In smaller groups, students can pet or hold almost all the animals.

Animals are taken out of carriers and the presenter walks around with them for students to get a good look and, in some cases, pet the animals. Parrots fly and/or dance during presentations, hedgehogs balls up, snakes slither or wrap around the presenter, lizards crawl and climb, and much more. Students are encouraged to ask questions.

To educate students about the science of animals - both vertebrates and invertebrates - and the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Also, to help students appreciate and respect wildlife.

To encourage students to have appreciation and respect for wildlife so that when they grow up to become voters and legislators, they keep conservation in mind.

Melissa has presented hundreds of programs at schools and libraries. She has has worked and volunteered with animals in many other ways, too - pet sitting, shelter volunteer, home visit coordinator for a parrot rescue, camp counselor, zookeeper, and teacher. her live animal shows have delighted audiences and created unforgettable learning experiences for all ages.

Melissa initially started Critters & Conservation after much encouragement from teachers, librarians, and parents who experienced her volunteer animal education programs. She began her business with snakes, parrots, frogs, lizards, a turtle, and a hedgehog. Now she cares for 25 species of small, exotic animals, including the latest addition - a toucan!

Melisa is proud to center her live animal programs around education, safety, and fun. She is educated in animal husbandry, biology, animal behavior, food webs, conservation, animal jobs, and the importance of biodiversity. She has volunteered at three animal shelters and currently works with a parrot rescue.

Critters & Conservation is licensed and insured.

"Lots of positive feedback from both students and staff! We'd LOVE to have you back next year!" - Alicia Braun, Guidance Counselor, Rock Terrace School

"I run a camp and retreat center; and we have brought in Critters & Conservation for two programs at our facilities in 2012. Melissa was great to work with as we planned our event, even adjusting the length of her program to fill the time we had designated. Melissa was able to keep the attention of the youth (both programs were for middle schoolers) and was able to convey an immense amount of knowledge about the animals she was presenting. When I first met Melissa, it was very clear that she is an animal lover and cares a great deal for her animals and their well being. I will definitely be working with Critters & Conservation again!" - Chris Schlieckert, Director, Manidokan Camp & Retreat Center

"As the Youth Services Director of Berkeley County Library System (main library with three branches), I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa from Critters & Conservation for consecutive summer reading programs. I have found her presentations to be informative, age appropriate, entertaining and always exciting. For a wildlife program, it is also responsibly priced. Critters & Conservation also offers a "Rent-a-Reptile" service which I used last summer and had such a positive experience that I will rent a bearded dragon for Chinese New Year. I don't often say this, but for quality, flexibility and conservation message, you can't go wrong with a Critters & Conservation program. Don't take my word for it, book a show and reap the rewards." - Jane Levitan, Youth Services Director of Berkeley County Library System

"Melissa's shows are wonderful! Her variety of animals, knowledge of each one's biology and personality, and general fun nature make her shows a great addition to any event. She works hard to involve all of the kids while making sure they are comfortable with their interaction with the animals. Her Russian tortoise is my favorite. My daughter loves her variety of snakes." - Ann Mountz, parent in Harpers Ferry, WV