Is an exotics "petting" zoo viable?

[kellysballs]

If you incorporate a local area exhibit into it you could probably get the local schools to do field trips. Like set up a mini ecosystem with local flora and fauna. That would get them there tie into the lesson plan of the school and then you could bring out the exotics at the end.

In high school we had an ecology club that did a little mini version of this and we took it to elementary schools all over central Florida. Of course we didn't make money doing it because the high school owned all the animals but it is the same type of idea.

Good Luck!

Keep us posted!

[MelissaFlipski]

If you incorporate a local area exhibit into it you could probably get the local schools to do field trips. Like set up a mini ecosystem with local flora and fauna. That would get them there tie into the lesson plan of the school and then you could bring out the exotics at the end.

Great idea! Thanks!

[Spaniard]

The only thing that would scare me about any business dealing with animals and people in a close setting is the liabilities associated with it. People are always looking for a quick buck and if someone was bit during their visit it could mean the end of your business.

Snakes are hard to gauge and you never know what they're thinking, its not out of this world to think that the tamest of snakes could have a bad day and bite someone.

Just my two cents and the first thing I always think of when I hear of people doing these petting zoo/ reptile parties. I think its a great way to educate people and expose parents and kids to things they normally wouldn't experience but the risk would be to big for me personally.

[dsirkle]

Maybe a pet store doing demonstrations and parties as a side line would be more feasible. I wouldn't do petting because I would expect that insurance coverage for petting is high and also I would expect that sooner or later somebody would get bitten by something.

[MelissaFlipski]

Hmmm... interesting thoughts. I wonder about not being able to find something like this very easily. Am I on to a need that is unfulfilled or is it due to liability?

I have a lot of research to do! But it's fun research.

Thanks, again.

[anendeloflorien]

That sounds like an awesome idea! IDK what the actual market would be like for a "exotic petting zoo" but I'm sure if you marketed yourself correctly and were able to create a safe environment for bot the animals and the people (kids especially) you could have great success in it! I wish I had had someplace like that when I was a kid where you could really get up close and personal with animals that you just don't see every day!
just my .02