Party Safari: Exploring the Wonders of Exotic Animals Through Engaging Experiences | Written By: Lindsay W. (Dufferin Board of Trade)
Party Safari, owned by Jennifer Weaver, is an educational animal presentation company showcasing a variety of exotic animals while engaging participants through hands-on experiences. With a life-long passion for animals and a background in agricultural studies, Jennifer emphasizes the need for education about animals. “I feel that education is important, and it’s important that people learn about the animals,” Jennifer says.
Inspired by animal presentation shows, Party Safari showcases a diverse range of exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and tarantulas or scorpions. “It’s important to show that they deserve love and respect as much as other animals,” Jennifer explains. During the presentations, she takes her time introducing each animal, sharing information about its characteristics and habitat, and allowing participants to interact with the animals in a controlled and respectful manner.
“I’m just as excited about my tarantulas as people are about their cat.”
Party Safari offers several different party packages, each providing a range of experiences. These include the Classic Safari, a one-hour presentation; Face Your Fears, which focuses on bringing ‘scarier’ animals; Classroom presentations, tailoring the content to the curriculum and age group of the class; and the Photo Safari. “The photos are one of my favourite things because they’re so exciting, and it’s capturing the moment,” Jennifer exclaims. After the presentation, kids can pick their favourite animal and take a picture with it.
Based on the age group and setting of the event, Jennifer carefully selects which animals to bring, aiming to provide a safe and engaging experience for kids and parents. “I want the parents to feel comfortable and I want the kids to have fun,” Jennifer says, focusing on creating an inclusive environment that respects participants’ boundaries. “I don’t scare people. That’s not my thing.”
Jennifer emphasizes that hands-on experiences with animals are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. “There is a perceived notion of all snakes are going to attack you, which is not true,” Jennifer explains. By allowing participants to interact with the animals, they are more likely to retain the information and develop a sense of empathy and respect for the creatures they encounter.
“The more we care about living things on the planet, then the better off we are.”
Over the years Party Safari has hosted many presentations that have resonated with participants. “I have witnessed instances where both children and adults overcome their fears and develop a newfound appreciation for the animals,” Jennifer says. These experiences often leave a lasting impact, with participants often sharing photos and memories years later. “They’ll tell me, ‘Oh, we have three pictures on our fridge at home, they’ve been on there for years’, which always so lovely to hear,” Jennifer shares.
As Party Safari continues to grow, it aims to offer more adult-focused events that utilize the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals to help people de-stress and decompress. “Snakes can be very therapeutic,” Jennifers mention. “The way they move, the weight on your shoulders, it’s almost like a weighted blanket.”
“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and spreading the love,” Jennifer exclaims, continuing to share her appreciation for animals, particularly to families who may not have pets.