Educational Animal Shows
More than 60 hand-raised exotic animals — snakes, lizards, frogs, tarantulas, and El Chompo the dwarf caiman — brought to your school, birthday party, or event in Klamath Falls and the Klamath Basin.
Book a Show
More than 60 hand-raised exotic animals — snakes, lizards, frogs, tarantulas, and El Chompo the dwarf caiman — brought to your school, birthday party, or event in Klamath Falls and the Klamath Basin.
Book a ShowHands On Critters is run by James McNamara, a lifelong animal lover who was catching lizards and reading encyclopedias about them before the internet could tell him anything. Inspired by Steve Irwin, he turned that passion into a traveling show that gives kids their first real animal experience — touching, holding, and learning about creatures most people only see on a screen.
Every animal is hand-raised from a baby with about a month of one-on-one training before it ever joins a show. Only the tamest animals make the trip — about 30 of them come to each event.
The mission is simple: spark interest, break fears, put smiles on faces, and get kids outside and off technology.
Classroom visits and assemblies that turn a school day into the day nobody forgets.
Birthday parties, festivals, and community events — all ages and groups welcome.
Children's hospitals, youth facilities, and anywhere a kid could use a bright day and a private moment with an animal.
James tells the Hands On Critters story — where it started, what inspired it, and what it's all for.
Boas, ball pythons, green basilisks, red-eyed tree frogs — and El Chompo the dwarf caiman. Click any photo for a closer look.
Hands On Critters is featured in Klamath Living — read the full story of James, the critters, and the mission behind the show.
Read the ArticleTell us about your school, party, or event and James will get back to you. Or call or text (209) 914-5966 — email James25psg@gmail.com.