Business Details
39 Years
experience
Interactive Live Animal Programs for Schools & Events
Founded in 1987 by Dean Kosch, Curious Creatures has been New England's premier provider of interactive and educational live animal programs for over three decades. Our team of experienced exhibitors is dedicated to fostering respect and appreciation for exotic animals through hands-on, customizable presentations. We specialize in engaging audiences of all abilities, including children with special needs, by combining educational facts with entertaining storytelling. Our programs feature a diverse collection of mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians, all presented in a safe and ethical environment. As the only live animal educator in the region licensed by both Fish & Wildlife and USDA, we prioritize professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction. With 30 years of experience, we have built a reputation for reliability, earning most of our business through repeat customers and referrals. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our full insurance coverage and meticulous care for our animals. Whether serving schools, corporate events, or birthday parties, we design each program to meet specific client needs while maintaining an educational and entertaining atmosphere. Our dedication to community outreach and accessibility has made us a trusted partner for thousands of memorable events across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Services
Birthday Parties
School Programs
Corporate Events
Petting Zoo Set-ups
Barn Tours
Animal Presentations
Educational Programs
Special Needs Programs
Traveling Animal Shows
Hands-on Experiences
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in live animal education.
- Our team includes experienced exhibitors with expertise in special needs education.
- We are fully licensed by Fish & Wildlife and USDA.
- Our programs are interactive and tailored to individual needs.
- We are fully insured for safety and reliability.
Associations and certifications
- Fish & Wildlife Service
- USDA
What people say
Interactive and educational
Memorable birthday experience
Engaging presentation
Loved by kids and adults
Patient and informative
Services
Birthday Party Program
Our birthday programs feature 8-10 interactive animals, including mammals, reptiles, and insects. Choose 40-minute or hour-long sessions with hands-on petting for all guests. The birthday child receives a Curious Creatures t-shirt while parents enjoy peace of mind with our licensed, insured, and professional team.
School Programs
Customizable live animal presentations align with school curricula for K-12 students. Our experienced educators deliver age-appropriate content about ecosystems, animal behavior, and conservation through hands-on learning. Programs accommodate special needs classrooms and include safety protocols for school environments.
Corporate Events
Live animal exhibits create unique engagement at corporate events and festivals. Our petting zoo setups and interactive demonstrations provide memorable networking opportunities while educating guests about exotic species. Fully insured presentations include safety briefings and crowd management by professional staff.
Special Needs Programs
We specialize in adaptive animal therapy experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our sensory-friendly programs use structured animal interactions to build confidence and social skills. Presenters have 30+ years' experience modifying content for autism spectrum disorders and physical disabilities.
Barn Tours
Seasonal barn tours (October-May) offer behind-the-scenes access to our animal care facilities. Guests learn about daily husbandry routines, conservation efforts, and species-specific adaptations. Tours include hands-on feeding experiences with select animals under staff supervision.
People
Dean Kosch
Founder
Dean founded Curious Creatures in 1987 and has pioneered interactive animal education in New England. With decades of experience in exotic animal care, he develops educational content and trains staff in safety protocols and special needs accommodations.
Questions
What age groups do your programs accommodate?
We serve all ages from preschool through senior facilities, with special adaptations for children with developmental disabilities.
Are your presenters licensed and insured?
Yes, we are the only local provider licensed by both USDA and Fish & Wildlife, with comprehensive liability insurance coverage.
What animals will be at my event?
Our rotating collection includes 8-10 animals per event featuring mammals (hedgehogs, rabbits), reptiles (dragons, snakes), and invertebrates (tarantulas, cockroaches).
Do you travel outside Massachusetts?
We serve all of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Connecticut bookings available with additional travel fees.
What safety measures are in place?
All animals undergo health checks before events. Staff maintain 1:1 supervision during interactions and provide hand-sanitizing stations for guests.
Reviews (8)
Daniel Witkowski Md
Feb 16, 2022
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Dave came to our home during a party and did a great job entertaining us with his creatures! Very knowledgeable, personable, humorous! Operated very independently and professionally as he came in, performed and got out without interruption of our party! Looking forward to having him back!
Donna Mason
Oct 13, 2021
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Highly recommend. Everything about our Curious Creatures experience was positive. The kids (7yr. olds) were captivated and educated.the adults as well.
Stephanie Herring
Jul 12, 2021
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Awesome experience and amazing people! Would strongly reccomend checking them out, it absolutely made my daughter's birthday!
Stephanie Story
May 10, 2021
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Had them in for a private party for My hubby and it was awesome! We've used them before at my preschool and the presenters are super knowledgable and enthusiastic. You can tell they love what they do :
Vic P.
Jan 16, 2021
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Just had them come for the second time today. Had them for my sons 2nd and now today for his 4th because they were such a hit. During these covid times I was unsure how it would be but she was so professional and we felt soo safe. Brought a great variety of animals to show. I 100% will have them come again in the near future for another birthday party. Anyone looking for a good time and safe fun, call them! Thank you curious creatures for a great time!
Cole Parlin
Mar 01, 2020
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Curious Creatures was perfect for our Son's 5th birthday party! Niki was fun, professional, and informative. Amazing how smoothly things went considering all of the different critters that were shared throughout the presentation. This company is great for kids of all ages.even for us adults who are young at heart. Highly recommend!
Amanda MacFarlane
Feb 11, 2014
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I did this for a 24 year old birthday, she is an animal lover. We had Jeff, he was awesome. I would definitely recommend this!
Manuel Sanchez
Feb 10, 2013
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I had my sons 5th birthday party today and Curious Creatures were invited! My son, all of the guests and myself had such an amazing time! Holly the Curious Creatures lady was fantastic with all of the kids and of course the animals she had brought! I would definitely have her come again in the future! Everyone at the party went on and on about how great she was! The animals were amazing they were so cute and friendly, even the alligator with the bands around its mouth! i give her and the animals a A+++! THANKS!