Thank you Missoula Children's Museum! (& Kemo update)

We want to send out a big thank you to the Missoula Children's Museum! We had a great time with the kids (and adults) and would love to visit again. We talked about habitats and adaptations and discovered how the animals survive in their wild environments.

We have recently acquired a fairly devote fan. She has been at 3 of our presentations and we hope to see her at more. Nadia, this one's for you. Your enthusiasm and love for animals makes our day. Jessi and Goose say "hello"!

Update on Kemosabe the Prehensile-Tailed Procupine:
We are working with Kemo to get him ready for shows. He is learning how to go into a crate for transportation and we are learning what his absolute favorite treats are. It's yam, hands down! Most Prehensile-Tailed Porcupines that are presented in shows are handled by their tail, since they can hang from them with ease. Kemo, is sensitive about his tail so we are finding ways to handle him without touching his tail. Here at Animal Wonders we always use positive reinforcement and never make an animal do something they don't want to do. Many of our animals have been through traumatizing experiences so we handle them with care and teach them at whatever pace they choose. We also like to use the word "teach" instead of "train" because that is really what we're doing. We're teaching the animal how to do a behavior; be it going into a crate, waving a foot, or being calm in front of an audience. Kemo is learning fast, he picked up really quickly that if he goes into the crate he gets his favorite treat.

Humans learn that one really fast too; go into the cookie jar and you'll find a great treat.