We Offer:
Suitable for:
What’s Included in Our Programs
Our wildlife shows are thoughtfully structured to offer maximum educational value, visual appeal and hands-on interaction. Each session is led by qualified wildlife educators who deliver age-appropriate commentary aligned with Australian curriculum goals, particularly in science, geography and environmental studies. We offer themed displays that highlight Australian Wildlife, invertebrates, , farmyard animals or aquatic creatures, depending on the focus of your event. Audiences can get up close with creatures such as the olive python, tawny frogmouth, sugar glider, blue-tongue lizard, bobtail, a range of mini-beasts, freshwater and marine critters.
Sessions can run for one hour, a half-day or a full day, and we are fully equipped to manage displays in indoor classrooms, outdoor ovals or enclosed event spaces. For larger events, we can bring our own gazebo and setup equipment, ensuring a professional and organised experience. We also provide schools with a free, structured curriculum package that includes teacher guides, activity sheets and discussion prompts, all designed to reinforce learning outcomes before, during and after the show. Every aspect of our presentation is grounded in animal welfare, audience safety and inclusive learning principles, ensuring all participants have a positive experience.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire, captivate and encourage future generations to have a deeper love and respect for nature. Providing an ‘up close’ and personal experience fosters a positive relationship that is sure to last a lifetime and encourage favourable future outcomes.
Our Vision
As Australia’s leading mobile education provider of animals, Critters Up Close will provide children of all ages, a wildly educational experience impacting over 1 million people by 2025.
Why Critters up Close Shows Matter
In an increasingly digital world, children and adults alike are becoming disconnected from the environment around them. Our wildlife shows provide a rare opportunity to reconnect with Australian nature through real, live interaction — not just screens or textbooks. For educators, our programs offer a valuable supplement to classroom teaching by bringing core concepts like ecosystems, biodiversity, animal adaptations and conservation to life in an unforgettable way. For parents and event organisers, the shows offer a standout attraction that combines fun with learning and encourages respectful animal handling and environmental awareness.
We also support community initiatives, school holiday programs and regional outreach projects, making wildlife education accessible to all, regardless of location or socio-economic background. With every show, we aim to leave audiences not just entertained, but inspired — inspired to care for animals, to ask questions about nature, and to play a role in protecting the planet. Our commitment to quality, safety, and engagement has earned us a strong reputation across WA, and we are proud to be a trusted name in mobile wildlife education.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What animals are included in your wildlife shows?
We tailor every show to suit the audience and the educational or entertainment focus of the event. Common animals include lizards like blue-tongues and bobtails, olive and Stimson pythons, turtles, frogs, tawny frogmouths, sugar gliders, invertebrates such as stick insects and scorpions, sea creatures in our aquatic-themed shows and farm animals in our farmyard shows. If you have specific animals in mind, we can customise the display to include them where possible.
- Are your wildlife shows suitable for young children and schools?Absolutely. Our sessions are designed with flexibility in mind and are suitable for a wide range of age groups, from early childhood and primary school to secondary school and even adult education programs. Our presenters modify their delivery style, language and engagement level to match the audience, ensuring the content is age-appropriate, engaging and educational.
- Can you cater to special needs groups?Yes. We have experience working with children and adults who have a range of sensory, physical and learning needs. Our animal interactions are calm, controlled and adapted to ensure all participants feel comfortable and included. Please let us know your group’s needs in advance so we can tailor the experience accordingly.
- Do your wildlife shows meet curriculum standards?Yes. All of our school incursions are curriculum-linked, particularly within the learning areas of Science, HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) and Sustainability. We also offer a free curriculum support package that includes classroom activities and learning extensions to help educators maximise the value of our visit before and after the show.
- What areas do you service across Western Australia?We are based in Perth but travel all over WA to deliver our Australian wildlife shows, including regional towns, remote communities, environmental centres, festivals, libraries and more. If you are unsure whether we can reach your location, just get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate.
- What safety procedures are in place during the shows?Safety is our highest priority. All our staff are trained animal handlers and educators with years of experience in working with both wildlife and the public. Animals are chosen for their suitability in interactive environments and are handled according to welfare and safety guidelines. We conduct regular checks on animal health and behaviour and follow strict hygiene protocols between shows.
- What happens if there is bad weather for an outdoor event?We are fully prepared for most weather conditions. For outdoor displays, we can arrange to bring our own gazebo or marquee and setup to provide shade and shelter. In cases of extreme weather, we can move the display indoors if a suitable space is available or reschedule if necessary. We will always work with you to find the best solution.
- Can we book multiple shows or combine themes?Yes. Many schools and organisations choose to book multiple sessions or full-day packages to accommodate larger groups or cover more than one theme. For example, you can conduct multiple shows on one day and change between wildlife, aquatics, farmyard and invertebrates for a diverse learning experience. Discounts may apply for multi-session bookings.
- How far in advance should we book?We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak times such as term one school programs, school holidays and end-of-year events. However, we do our best to accommodate last minute bookings where possible. Just reach out and we will check our availability.
- Do you offer birthday and private event options too?Yes, we offer a range of themed birthday party packages that bring the same quality and interaction as our school programs. These parties are a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate special occasions. Please visit our birthday party pages for more details or get in touch to create a custom experience.