Frequently Asked Questions

What information do you teach?

Usually, we cover where the animals come from, what they eat, interesting behaviors, how they defend themselves, and why they need to be preserved and protected. We adjust the curriculum for the age and abilities of the audience, and are happy to customize the curriculum to supplement a teacher's specific lesson plan. Let us know in advance if there is something special that you would like us to emphasize or avoid. Our programs are structured and conducted with two objectives in mind: (1) to entertain and hold the interest of our audience members and (2) to provide participants with a basic informational introduction to exotic animals. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions during the program and also (but not required) to touch the live animals (certain restrictions apply). The interactive program allows people to discover for themselves why animals are so unique and why we need to protect and preserve them.

Is it safe to touch the animals?

Some of our programs offer supervised touch monitored by Jungle Joe – Pet Detective. The number of audience members dictates whether this is an option. Also, Pennsylvania and New Jersey prohibit any public contact with exotic mammals, birds of prey and certain reptiles. We teach and enforce a strict set of safety rules, and we maintain control of the animals at all times to ensure maximum safety. All participants are required to use a FDA-approved germicidal/virucidal hand sanitizer after they touch the animals and again at the end of the program. In addition, we always recommend that the participants wash their hands with soap and water following the program. We reserve the right to eliminate the touch portion of the program or to not show the animals for any reason, especially if audience members are disruptive or fail to follow our safety rules.

Can children younger than 3 years old participate?

Generally, we do not recommend children younger than 3 years be present in the animal area, as their sudden movements and shrill sounds can startle some animals. Also, our program content is designed for children older than 3 years of age. However, if this is a family-style event, children under the age of 3 years are welcome to sit quietly with a parent in the audience. Due to general safety precautions, children under the age of 3 years are not allowed to touch the animals. Should an infant or toddler become noisy or active during the show, we will expect that he or she will be removed from the presentation area so as not to disrupt the program or jeopardize the safety of the rest of the audience. Should parents who do not wish to participate in the program remain on the premises, we will expect that they will wait in an area away from the program so their conversations or activities will not force the trainer to strain to be heard.

What is your payment process?

A nonrefundable deposit of 50 percent of the full balance is due the day of booking, payable by cash, check, money order or credit card. Payment in full is due 10 days prior to the event. Please note that we will NOT accept personal checks or credit cards on the day of the event. If balances are due for mug shots, we can ONLY accept cash. There will be a $35.00 charge for returned checks. All credit card transactions are done using our secure online payment system via Pay Pal which requires a 3% fee paid by the client. You will have five days to provide payment once we have confirmed your date and time. After we receive your payment, directions and signed contract we will contact you to officially confirm your reservation.

Can you do the program outdoors?

Again, we prefer to conduct the program indoors, since there are too many uncontrollable factors outdoors that can easily startle an animal (e.g., loud music, wind, sudden car noise, insects, barking dogs, etc.). We can only do an outdoor event if the temperature and humidity combination (heat index) is between 70° and 85° F., the wind is minimal and total shade is provided. Our animals cannot tolerate temperatures outside of this range, strong winds or direct sun. If you plan for an outdoor event, please provide an alternate place indoors to ensure that we can set up in a timely manner in the event of change in weather factors such as those listed above. We kindly ask that you inform us of any chemicals or pesticides which may leave a toxic residue on the grass and would have a deadly effect if ingested by our animals.

How does the time scheduling work?

We will arrive at your location approximately 15 minutes before start time to set up for the Leading Witness program and approximately 60 minutes for the Exhibit A program. Be sure to book us for the time you want us to START the first program. We suggest that you invite your guests at least 30 minutes prior to the start time to avoid the disruption of late arrivals. When booking back-to-back programs, we recommend you allow 10–15 minutes between programs to allow for rotation of the classes. A maximum of 15 minutes rotation time between programs is allowed to benefit from the discounted hourly pricing, and you are not charged for this rotation time. A rotation time of more than 15 minutes will necessitate an additional $2 per minute stand-by fee. Please understand that we must stay on schedule, as we have other client commitments.

What special arrangements do you require?

Although we prefer to have the freedom of setting up and breaking down in an unoccupied area, we understand this is not always feasible. Therefore we ask that you provide a responsible adult who will remain with the animals during the set-up and breakdown of the event. It is imperative that the animals remain undisturbed at all times, preventing undue stress and harm to them. For the safety of the children and animals, please help us supervise the children. Kindly have nearby parking prearranged for unloading and loading, especially during extreme temperatures and inclement weather. A responsible adult may be asked to assist with loading and unloading during temperature extremes or foul weather.

We also request that you provide written directions. If you use MapQuest or another Internet service, please check the directions before sending them. It is vital that you provide us with precise directions either via postal mail or e-mail. Please keep in mind that Google maps and MapQuest are not always exact. Be sure to let us know of any street name changes, detours, construction projects or other events that may cause road conditions to differ from the map results and include them in your directions.

What kind of set-up do you need?

We prefer to conduct the program indoors; there is no mess involved. Regardless of an indoor or outdoor event, we request a minimum of a 10-foot x 10-foot space for Jungle Joe – Pet Detective and his animal lineup. Additional space should be available depending on the number of guests attending.

If we are conducting the Leading Witness program, we request a 7-foot (minimum) safety zone between our display table and the audience. If conducting the Exhibit A program, we request a minimum space of a 20-foot x 20-foot, in addition to a 7-foot barrier that completely encompasses our display exhibit. Fans, electricity and access to water may be required for larger events. For groups larger than 100, we require a hands-free PA system (microphone stand, clip-on microphone or headset) to ensure that the entire audience can hear the program. Please be sure to set up and test the system prior to our arrival.

Audience members can sit in rows, either on the floor or in chairs. Although not required, it is helpful if a 6- or 8-foot table is provided for our use. For the Exhibit A program, we request that the client supply four 8-foot tables and a barrier or fencing (mandated by state law) of some sort. If scheduling back-to-back programs, please set us up in a centralized area so that the audiences can rotate in-and-out. Please avoid rooms with large mirrors, helium balloons or hanging decorations, as they frighten some animals. Food and drink may not be in the presentation area. Also, if there are household or classroom pets, please be sure they are secured and out of view and audible range of the presentation area. In addition, we ask that teachers/adult leaders stay and assist us with audience management.