The "Creature Teacher" brings animals to schoolchildren who might otherwise not see them.
			The Orange County Register, Saturday November 4, 2000. Story by Julie Engelhardt.
		When Robyn Wheeler shows her Chinchilla to a group of children, the animal might turn into a chalupa, enchilada, chow-chow, binbilla or chin-chin. "For some reason, 'chinchilla' is a difficult name for a small child to pronounce or they can't remember it." Wheeler says. She's the "creature teacher", bringing animals to schools, libraries, community events and birthday parties. Wheeler's menagerie started with a hamster and several Chinchillas-Spice, Pepper and Chili. Lizards such as a leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon and Chameleon joined next. Then Wheeler added a rabbit, tortoises, Ball pythons who go by Rocky and Bullwinkle and a Senegal Parrot. She likes to watch people's reaction to the African Bullfrog anmed Jeremiah. The bullfrog weighs almost a pound. Wheeler's audiences range from preschoolers to middle-school students. "I tell the kids what kind of animal they are, what they like to eat and some of their unusual features. In small groups, the children have the opportunity to touch each animal. Wheeler, who has a degree in Animal Science, worked as an Animal Control Officer in Orange County and spent 12 years as a ranch hand at Circle D Corral at Disneyland, caring for goats, sheep, horses and the reindeer used during the holiday season. But three years ago, she started her own business. She envisioned herself working with a variety of animals, some of which she adopted and some purchased.  "I actually adopted the snakes from the Orange County Animal Shelter. They have an exotic animal auction every week where you can get animals like reptiles, chinchillas-things that aren't your regular dogs and cats", Wheeler says. The freedom to set her own schedule was another motivation in starting the business. Wheeler works 40-50 hours a week. That typically involves three to six birthday parties on a weekend, driving 100-200 miles. "My biggest motivation comes from the kids," she says. They send me drawings, crafts, and letters thanking me from sharing the animals with them. That makes me feel like I've made a difference and a lasting impression upon them."
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