Many well-meaning parents make preventable errors when organising animal-themed events. Recognising these pitfalls ensures animal welfare and guest safety remain uncompromised.

Ignoring animal welfare standards.

Never hire companies that treat exotic animals as disposable props or allow unregulated, rough handling by unsupervised children. 

We have all seen the images on some of these providers’ websites of children roaming with a snake wrapped around their neck – any one of a hundred things could go wrong – especially as some snakes can have over four hundred razor sharp teeth in their mouths.

Also avoid providers who let tarantulas walk along children’s shoulders, or worse across their faces, like the plague!

Tarantula hairs are highly irritating and can cause serious visual impairment, pain, swelling, and potentially lifelong blindness!

Always verify the provider’s experience and credentials (some have no qualifications at all).

Bugfest is managed by a fully qualified (PGCE) teacher, ex-teacher training lecturer, a member of the Verrall Association of Entomologists and an elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, guaranteeing strict ethical animal welfare.

Choosing the wrong venue.

Booking a massive village hall for five toddlers leads to chaotic wandering, while packing thirty children into a standard living room causes sensory overload.

Match your venue size precisely to your package; if you are not sure, you can easily ask us via email

Manage hygiene. 

Although our handling is strictly supervised, and all rangers provide hand gel, basic hygiene habits must be maintained throughout the event. We always recommend washing hands with soap and water after your entertainment on top of alcohol gel, especially before your children eat their party food.