Union transformed into Meerkat Manor

Meerkats, tarantulas and pythons took centre stage in the Union this week.
The Global Café is a weekly event that aims to bring students together from all over the world to form friendships and share one’s cultural heritage, whilst offering free drinks and snacks. This week ‘Jay’s Animal Encounters’ came to the Cafe aiming to educate and dispel myths about some exotic animals, bringing people together in discussion.
Among the animals present at Global Café were the Mexican Redknee tarantula Maria, Maku the Meerkat, the Albino Burmese Python Amber and the Bearded Dragon Sydney.
Jay, who has over 20 years of experience handling animals, said he wants to inspire people’s interest in them and hopes they will realise that these animals are worthy of protection. As such, the animals act as “ambassadors.”
One of the event organisers, Emmeline Beazley said: “The purpose of the visit is educational with the animal welfare being the first priority and we’ve carefully selected Jay’s company as one who are experienced and competent in caring for animals whilst educating people.”
Concerns about the animals’ experience in these encounters quickly faded in light of Jay’s meticulous care for his animals. Jay said that trying to understand the animal and looking at the animal’s body language is important in order to care for them properly.
While Jay wants to spread his enthusiasm about the animals, he stresses that “impulse-buying” of exotic animals is irresponsible as caring for such animals is a large responsibility and a decision that should not be taken lightly.
The event was very well received by students with many queuing a long time in order to meet the animals. Despite some wariness when it came to the tarantulas, the reactions to the animals varied from awe to excitement. The students were able to appreciate the animals fully by learning about them while being able to observe and handle them up close.
Aside from animal encounters, Jay also offers phobia training and gives talks and lectures at schools and universities.  For more information please go to: http://www.jaysanimalencounters.co.uk/index.html