A Day With Yellow Zebra Safaris

It's not every day you get to hang out with a barn owl and meerkats, so we were all really excited to join Yellow Zebra Safaris for a day of fun after receiving their email. While you can't go on safari in London, Yellow Zebra Safaris brought it to us on a smaller scale. Not only was it fun, but a very educational event. The boys were only expecting to meet a couple of animals, so were pretty gobsmacked by the array of animals our host brought to the event. Yellow Zebra offer Safaris, and while we weren't heading to Africa, it was lovely to experience a little of what they offer here in London. We would meet the animals, then have photos and then the kids could enjoy a ceramics workshop. 


We wasn't really sure what to expect, but as we entered the hall we weren't disappointed. There were tables and balloons all set out, and Logan said it was more like being at a birthday party. The kids had masks to put on, and there was even set up's for photos - Which of course both Logan and Corben didn't want to do, I think they were just too excited to meet the animals. It wasn't long before Safari Pete introduced himself, and said he would bring them out but only if we could all be quite as to not scare them. The kids were all amazing, and sat nicely on the floor as Pete introduced us to each animal. Pete works closely with Yellow Zebra, and it's great to know that if you did go away with them on Safari you would be with people who have respect for these animals. 

Safari Pete has years of experience with the animals. All the animals were rescues that had been dumped and most brought over illegally  which made it all the more special that they now had a loving home. Of course it would be great if these animals were out in the wild, and where possible they will go back to were they came from. But I'm glad they are with someone who fully understands their needs and loves them so much. 

He talked about their different qualities, and encouraged the children that they shouldn't be afraid. At one point he had two young girls have a scorpion named pinchy on their laps, to show that they will only attack when they feel threatened. Sure enough the scorpion casualy sat there, and it was great to see the kids drop their guard and understand more. We were also shown a baby crocodile named Jay-z (oh the shade), and Pete showed the children how he ate, grim but also fascinating. I got up close to one of his tarantulas, who I think was called Lady Gaga. I don't like the way small spiders move, but I've never had a problem with the bigger ones. There was also Juliet the barn owl who has been with Pete for eighteen years, and there is something so magical about seeing them up close. We learned that owls have ears in different places, so they can hear from above and below. Which I never knew! We also saw thee cutest tree frog and a snake. 

Corben loved the bearded dragons, Pete had two of them. He said they were found in a dirty toilet, with tissue stuck to their little faces. It makes me so upset that anyone could do that. When Baz lived with his mates, they had one and she had so much personality and use to love running around the house. I did say to Corben that they need a lot of care, and that while I would love to have one. I'm not sure the cats would appreciate it as much. I think seeing Pete feed them live crickets put him off for now. But it was great that he got to hold one. He was so scared that if he stroked it he would hurt it bless him, that he let it nest in his arms.  Pete also had a bosc monitor called boo boo, which again got me and Baz laughing as he also had one with his flatmate. Boo boo however was way more chilled out, then the one they had back in the day. We chatted to Pete about them, as I think we will always have a soft spot for them. 

The only way to wear fur, how cute is Baby bear I think she was digging my rainbow vibes. 

Our absolute favourites were the meerkats, there were two, Steve and Baby Bear who took a shine to my shoulder. Logan got a stiff in the ear, but we think as he had been stroking our cats that morning the meerkats wouldn't climb on him. Baby Bear also loved Corbens cap, and tried to climb up on him. Pete told us that we must let the meerkats decide, which was great as that's the way it should be. Also they can get a bit nibbley. I loved how protective Pete was of the animals, and while we could meet them they had to be comfortable. The boys have always had a great respect for touching animals, I think it's important to teach children that while you may love an animal there doesn't always need to be touching. To even see them so close up, was a huge privilege. After meeting all the animals it was time to sit down to lunch. 

After a lovely lunch (there was so much to choose from), there was still fun to be had. The kids really enjoyed the ceramics workshop, it was hosting by ceramic circle. Logan run to the table to pick out an animal to paint, while Corben decided he was too cool to sit down and paint but of course asked to take one home. His so funny his 8 going on 13 at the moment. I think they were a really great way of remembering their day, and now sit proudly in the boys bedroom. It was a truly magic experience, and I hope that some day we get to go on a safari and see them all in their natural habitats.