Walk on the wild side with 'Reptile Queen' Kitty Evans

CHILDREN of all ages can get the chance to hold or touch reptiles at a very special party hosted by Kitty Evans.

The Greystones ‘Reptile Queen’ is fully qualified in childcare and special needs, and is a wealth of knowledge on all things reptilian.

Her parties can even include face painting and balloon modelling, party bags and food tables. ‘ These can be booked in addition to the reptile party or as stand alone packages because we know reptiles aren’t suitable for all parties,’ said Kitty.

For those that want to walk on the wild side, they will bring a host of fascinating animals to your party to entertain the children or teenagers, be it a birthday, communion, confirmation, or a family event children will be attending, such as a wedding.

The usual duration for a reptile party is one hour and a half, but they can tailor it to suit the family (face painting and balloon are on hourly rates so can be booked for as many hours as the client wants).

She will explain to the boys and girls everything they need to know about the animals, from bearded dragons, geckos, lizards, and all sorts of snakes, to the star of the show - Biggy the Burmese python.

Some of the new arrivals include Noob, a baby Burmese python, Wartortle the Hermann’s tortoise, and Squishy & Wishy, albino African giant land snails.

Anyone not too keen on holding an animal certainly won’t be forced to. Kitty keeps one or two of them in their clear plastic case so if anyone’s unsure of them, they can still have a close look.

The animals all live at Kitty’s Greystones home and are her personal pets rather than being rented for the purpose of parties. She has had many of them for eight years and know them and their behaviours extremely well.

Most of her brood have been rescued or taken in, and Kitty relies on the expertise of reptile specialist vet, Bray-based Bairbre O’Malley, to ensure that they are happy and healthy.

‘ The animals are my priority,’ she said. ‘ They are live animals. If one of them is unwell or off colour, we won’t bring that one to a party. Luckily I have enough of a menagerie that we can substitute another reptile in place of the ill one.’

They are used to being handled, and Kitty will be on-hand to supervise each child as they hold an animal, telling them whether they like to be stroked and how to hold them.

As well as parties, Kitty can cater for schools, creches and other venues, and can entertain groups with or without bringing the reptiles along.

They will travel anywhere in the country to provide their audience with an educational, entertaining and unforgettable experience.

To find out more, contact (087) 9939290, find Reptile Queen All Ages Parties on Facebook, or email reptilequeensnakecharmer@gmail.com.