About Zooniversity
What is Zooniversity?
Zooniversity is a traveling wildlife education company that introduces children and adults to the fascinating world of exotic animals. We deliver more than 600 zoology enrichment classes, stage shows and exhibits each year at schools, day cares, libraries, churches, scouts, community and corporate events and private parties throughout Texas and surrounding states.
Zooniversity LLC is privately owned, fully insured, federally licensed by the USDA, and we hold all the required state, county and city permits for the animals we care for—ensuring you that you're hiring wildlife professionals.
Where do you get your animals?
Most of our animal ambassadors came to us as injured wildlife, abandoned "pets" or rescues from deplorable captive conditions. Now, they all enjoy a safe and pampered existence at our Zooniversity facility. They all have spacious homes, nutritious zoological diets, a schedule of proper veterinary care and daily enrichment and socialization activities.
None of our animals are intended to be kept as household pets. We often share their stories and scars to illustrate important issues—habitat and species conservation, the responsibilities of exotic pet ownership and the need for restrictions on the collection and importation of animals for the exotic pet trade.
Why don't you have monkeys or big cats?
We are animal professionals and we will not expose our audiences to the unpredictable behavior and liability that is inherent with these animals. Your safety is always our principle concern.
Who will be our presenter? Meet the Zookeeper...
Zooniversity LLC was founded in 2001 by zookeeper and educator Allison Knox Blankenship. As a mother of two "animal crazy" children, she saw the need in North Texas for a professional wildlife education service that was fun and educational, yet affordable.
Allison Blankenship has expert qualifications. She holds a BA in Biology from Bucknell University and a MA in Biomedical Instructional Design from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School. She has spent more than 25 years as an award-winning instructional designer, trainer and wildlife educator.
She is member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (IWRA), the Association of Professional Wildlife Educators (APWE), the Avian and Exotic Veterinary Medicine Association of Dallas-Fort Worth (AEVMA) and she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society (DFWHS). She is known for her high-energy, upbeat speaking style and for her unique way of inspiring future zoologists.