People

Traveling Zoo Teaches Kids Compassion

Six children stand shoulder to shoulder, while an 11-foot, 60-pound python is gently lowered into their arms. The children don’t panic. Instead, they respond with dropped jaws and wide eyes as the python settles into their hold. Though these children come from different backgrounds, and may not like one another, they must work together to control the enormous beast.

Shangani, an African wildcat, or serval, is one of Melissa Caughey’s most beloved members of her exotic animal showcase. Melissa takes the animals on the road with her to schools, day care centers, and even neighborhoods.

Other times, animal enthusiasts come to visit her at the Animal Ambassadors Sanctuary in Oak Glen, California.

This is just one of many ways Melissa Caughey uses exotic animals to break down barriers among children.

“You should see their faces,” she says. “(The children are) in complete awe of the python. Every once-in-a-while someone will run back to their seat, but usually they are up to the challenge.”

Melissa, who is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Yucaipa Valley, California, established Animal Ambassadors, a traveling exhibition of exotic animals, which seeks to teach children compassion for all living things.

Melissa travels throughout San Bernardino County, an area that has one of California’s largest gang populations, to show off her collection of snakes, porcupines, and other exotic pets.

Animals have proven successful teachers, she says, because of their tendency to love unconditionally. In addition to being exotic, these creatures are able to transport kids out of their daily environments, where gang violence and drug dealing runs rampant, and into a place filled with curiosity and hope.

“If you look around, compassion is missing in at-risk youths, animals are the first step,” she says.

Melissa points to the tendency of those who abuse animals to also abuse other people. Animals, she teaches, are sentient beings and can feel emotions just as we can.

Animal Ambassadors travels to day care facilities, elementary schools, and community centers. To do this, she relies on fellow Kiwanians, several of whom happen to be current and former educators.

“I’m fortunate to do what I love everyday,” Melissa says. “It is my responsibility and gift to share the animals in my care.”