Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
Animal encounters are a very unique and memorable experience for you and your grandchild. An encounter is much different than visiting a zoo, or even a petting zoo. An encounter gets you up close and personal to a specific animal where you not only can pet and feed it, but also sometimes hold it and be educated on the animal’s behavior, adaptations and living environment.
Our Zoo to You is located at Bryan and Terri Wise’s home in Medina, and is where I had one of the most memorable animal encounters! Sign up on a waiting list, as only one or two slots of visitors are allowed daily, so as not to stress the animals. If your grandchildren are over 10 years of age, this is a wonderful adventure.
Getting the opportunity to hold Willow, the sloth, was amazing! She leans against 
you like a tree, and actually gives you hugs. Her fur was much softer than I expected it to be. After eating, she likes to stretch and literally bends backwards with both front feet in the air over her head. While holding and feeding her, my friend and I were taught how to correctly hold Willow and learned about all of her likes and dislikes, as well as how her natural environment was replicated in their zoo home. Other animals present were birds, including a demonstration of a kookaburra call (or laugh) by Sydney, and an armadillo that ran free across the room.
Another venue for animal encounters, located in Bremen, is Paws and Claws, which is owned and directed by Sara McClaskey and Lyle Hicks. They offer both public and private encounters for all ages which take place within their heated barn. What began as a place to save and protect exotic animals has turned into a place you can visit. Reservations are necessary and guests will have a unique opportunity to connect with a variety of wildlife species in an interactive environment.
Also, you can view bison, camels, mini cows and yaks in their pastures. If they are outside at the time, they will provide feed for you to give them. The otter encounters (Asian small clawed otters) are adorable and they actually jump in your lap! Plus, there are other animal guests, including red kangaroo, fox, armadillo, raccoon, kune kune pigs, and chinchillas. Paws and Claws guarantees the otter encounters, plus five animals from the above group. Sloth encounters are also offered, but separate appointments are required.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a giraffe encounter that re-opens this spring. Gather up your herd and head to the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter in the African Savanna area. Get close to the world’s tallest mammal with the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding 17-foot giraffes right out of your hand. We have done this several times with the grandkids, and they love it!
Akron City Zoo will take your zoo visit to the next level by offering get-closer experiences with several different animal species. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance for these exciting encounters.
Get close to a Galapagos tortoise. You will have special access to the Galapagos tortoise habitat and meet Pagos and Boxie. Interact with them by giving them a rub down and feeding them their special favorite foods.
Have an encounter with Humboldt penguins. Enjoy a feeding opportunity and learn more about the care of their colony. This experience will include the opportunity to see behind the scenes where the penguins reside.
Meet Cheyenne and Jackson, the grizzly bears! Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience feeding them some treats. Also enjoy a training session, hear stories about their bear siblings and tour their Grizzly Ridge home, including the grizzly bear bedrooms, deluxe keeper kitchen and behind the scenes night yard.
Can’t believe you can get so close to bears? How about an encounter with red pandas? Visit with Lulu and Penny and enjoy tong-feeding, touring their habitat and learning all about the endangered red pandas and their playful personalities.
Share an animal encounter with your grandchild and create an extra special memory!
Photos courtesy Karen Shadrach
