Southwest Schools Bissonnet Elementary Zoofari

The Wild Things Zoofari, graced us with their prescense on 11/18/2022. But lets back track a bit and talk about the Wild Things Zoofari. Wild Things Zofari Inc. is an organization that is committed to teaching both children and adults alike about animals both domestic and exotic. Since 2010, they have committed themselves to raising awareness about conservation and animal behavior through education. How do they go about it though? They host birthday parties, traveling animal shows, petting zoos, and more; you name it, they do it. Anything to get more people to learn and appreciate animals and the world around them. Talking about the importance of conservation, the value of and respect for animals, and the world around them; making it a safer place for everyone. Learning about the animals, the wildlife, and getting the chance to pet one!? Say no more, I am on my way!! Why do they do this though? What is their goal in doing all this? Their goal is to educate children and inspire them to do great things that will preserve the globe we ALL live in. To become a voice for the Earth that is willing to defend the animals and world we live in together.  And so, it is thanks to Dylan McDaniel, that we were able to learn about 6 animals that visited our campus on this day. Those animals being the following: 


Henry-the white chinchilla

Found in the mountains they would jump from place to place, in search of food; such as, fruit, seeds, and insects. Their fur is their greatest defense against predators. It easily comes off instantly as if shedding in order to not be eaten and quickly runs away. 


Tuc-the three banded armadillo

This roly-poly has an armor like skin that protects it. By rolling up into a ball, no one can eat this guy. They tend to gravitate around open grasslands or marshes around Brazil or Argentina. Eating ants or termites, they use their front claws to dig their way in and  acute-shaped snouts to eat them. 


Flower-the Texan striped skunk

Don't be fooled by the name, this skunk is anything BUT a dainty flower. Get close to this skunk and you are guaranteed an unholy bombardment of a thousand foul smells. What makes these skunks special is the strips on the the upper top portion of its body resembling strips. Flower is a skunk that lives in Texas; however, they don't tend to cause any trouble unless you come looking for it.


Bella-the Red Kangaroo

One of the LARGEST mammals in Australia! Literally the largest kangaroos around. They can be pretty docile when young, but these fellows are territorial, and are equipped with powerful legs that will throw you on the other side if you're not careful. Bella is a herbivore and even though she is small she could still outrun us all. She started out no bigger than the size of a fingernail, and through out the course of a few weeks became as big as she was that day. As a joey she spends her time in her mama's pouch kept safe and warm.  


Zeus-the red ruffed lemur

This guy is a bonified resident of Madagascar. They would usually hang out on trees rather than your arm. Zeus is one of several lemurs that would be part of a group. And if you think this guy was made to rule, then your in for disappointment. These primates live in matriarchal groups, so females tend to take the lead role around here. They do have nice fluffy fur though, and their secret to maintaining such fur is "grooming." Constantly as if part of their religion, lemurs would groom each others fur for reasons. 


Tindi-the Madagascar tenrec

This little guy is no hedgehog or porcupine. These small creature is in fact related to "ELEPHANTS." It can't roll into a ball but it is able to protect itself by climbing a tree and hanging on for dear life as its upper portion stings you with its quills. And as the name suggests these guys are found in Madagascar. 


If anything I am thankful for Dylan McDaniel for coming all the way here to teach us about these awesome animals, a little about their way of life, and habitat. Lets not forget the opportunity to pet one, I was a bit nervous at first but I eventually gave in and pet a few. They were ssooo fluffy and Tuc was quite study, balled up in its shell. Not to mention when he let them stretch their legs a bit, was quite a cute sight to see. So thank you Dylan McDaniel for taking the time to come all the way to our campus, and showing us, teaching us, and having a little pet session with the animals you and you team take care of everyday. Thank you all and have a happy holidays.