Education

[ph0bia]

It's an idea I'd had with my girlfriend, and I'm just wondering if anyone else has done this? Well, firstly, we're looking to open a Reptile Specialist store in the area with cafe area (imagine Rainforest Cafe mixed with your local reptile store) but the bit I'm asking about:

The RSPCA is talking of trying to get into schools to give talks on animals and pets. Now, I know some people have done this with snakes/spiders etc, gone into Primary or Secondary schools either to talk in Assembly or during some other time. A few docile species are brought for observation and perhaps handling (in the case of the snakes) whilst basic information is given.

It's a way of educating people that snakes, spiders and lizards are not evil, cold-hearted and nasty, and I reckon would help deal with a lot of the people who go out and buy, say, an Iguana or a P.regalis, and have no idea what to do with it.

Has anybody else done similar? I'd be interested to pick up a few tips or ideas.

[SpiderGirl33]

Do it!
I just teach the neighbours kids about them, but even that's rewarding!

[ph0bia]

Oh, I intend to do it. I've spoken with a biology teacher of a local school about it already, and she said she'd suggest it.

The question besides tips etc... what species do you take to show them!?
Well, B.smithi... of course...

[SpiderGirl33]

Smithi, parahybana, rosea, also scorpions and a few moults! Oh, pictures too, lots of pictures!!

[Ozgi]

Snakes would be obvious.... Royals or boas.

You could also take in some millipedes/mantids/stick insects?

[Young_Gun]

I can't remember his screen name but a bloke called Jonathan runs something along those lines called Jungle Roadshow, he is a great guy and if you get in touch with him I can't see him having any problem giving you some advice or guidance, there have been a few similar type operations come and go, I am sure 'MissG' used to run one also.