Aquarium, zoo offer new close encounters with animals

Have you ever wanted to touch the belly scales of a corn snake or get up close and personal with a giant African millipede?

For ophidiophobics and entomophobics (people afraid of snakes and insects) the answer might be a resounding no, but for everyone else, the Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Zoo recently started offering services to connect guests with animals by removing the barriers between them.

In late February, the aquarium hired three full-time animal encounter specialists to provide educational presentations to guests using live animals. Earlier this month, the zoo began offering guided behind-the-scenes tours to help guests connect more fully with select animal ambassadors.

Getting an intimate look at the animals with someone present to answer questions is a combination that helps satisfy the zoo’s goal of placing wild animals in a meaningful context, said Randy Jackson, director of exhibits.

“When they leave, (guests) seem to have a greater appreciation for the animals than if they just came to the zoo normally,” he said. “I believe it creates an even deeper appreciation when they’re guided around and get a chance to ask their questions and get a detailed tour.”

The aquarium’s new staff positions are an expansion of a long-standing practice of gallery associates bringing animals out for display. The new hires make it possible to provide even more opportunities for guests to connect with animals, said George Bartnik, education programs manager.

Even though the animals being used in the tours and educational displays are being handled by keepers, handlers emphasized that the animals’ counterparts in the wild must be treated with respect.

“If we have a snake out, we’re always stressing that, if you encounter one in the wild, you don’t reach out and pick one up,” Mr. Bartnik said. “We always point out that ‘It’s wildlife, it lives in the wild, don’t bring it in.’ ”

Encountering an animal, even in a controlled circumstance, may not completely override a phobia, but with a bit of education thrown in, it can encourage a change in attitude, said Clarissa Schneider, one of the aquarium’s animal encounter specialists.

“One of the reasons we like using live snakes is because it’s sometimes the first time people have come close to a live snake, but it helps to dispel a lot of fear,” Ms. Schneider said. “(Afterward) people are a lot less reluctant; they’re less afraid to walk through their backyards.”