DAWSON, Ill. (WAND) - For more than a decade, Lacey Wild has operated Wild Times Exotics as a "zoo to you" operation, where she would bring animals to people's homes, local libraries, or other spaces for events.
This week, she opened up a permanent facility, where people can come to meet the animals.Â
"It's something I very much love doing, being able to make people happy because they are getting to see animals they love," Wild said. "But I make it educational at the same time, so you're getting to learn about really cool animals, and you're getting hands-on with them at the same time."Â
Wild Times Exotics is a federally licensed zoo. They have animals from across the world, ranging from insects to mammals. A favorite member of the crew is Captain the Capybara. He is only two months old.Â
"I want to say like 95% of the bookings we have currently for the zoo immersion here at the zoo have been with Captain," Wild said. "Onyx has been another very popular one; she is our sloth. And then last but certainly not least, has been Sherman, our albino wallaby."Â
When guests come in to meet the animals, they can often feed them and are taught the best ways to interact with them. Animals like the capybara might crawl right into your lap or try to chew your shoe laces.Â
To learn more about the animals at Wild Times Exotics, or the experiences they offer, visit their website.
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