Photo: tortoise
Reptile
Tortoise
Some tortoises live longer than people, and their shell is part of their skeleton.
Dr. Karina brings live animals to your group, so kids and adults can see, touch and ask about creatures they've only read about.
Who books Dr. Karina
- Libraries and schoolsSummer reading, science days
- Churches and VBSFaith-based option
- Homeschool groupsCo-ops and field days
- Senior and community centersAll ages welcome
15live animals
7programs
3states served
Every program is hands-on, built around your audience's ages, and packed with time for questions. Dr. Karina handles the animals and setup. You just bring the crowd.
See the programsPhoto: Dr. Karina presenting to a group (shot list #4)
Habitat Heroes photo
Not-So-Spooky Show photo
Myth or Fact? photo
Snake program photo
World of Wildlife photo
Jaws and Claws photo
Sharks photo
Programs
Every program can be presented with a faith-based focus. Just choose it when you book.
Habitat Heroes
How animals depend on their homes, and simple ways kids can help protect them.
Not-So-Spooky Show
Meet the creatures people fear most at Halloween and find out why they deserve a second look.
Myth or Fact?
The audience votes on popular animal myths, then the animals help settle the score.
Snakes: Friends or Fiends?
What snakes really do for us, how to stay safe around them, and a close-up meeting.
World of Wildlife
A trip around the globe to meet animals from different continents and the habitats they call home.
Jaws and Claws
Teeth, pincers and claws: how animals catch their food and defend themselves.
Sharks
The ocean's most misunderstood predator, with real facts to replace the movie version.
The lineup
Meet the animals
Each program features a selection from Dr. Karina's 15 animals. Many can be gently touched with her help.
Swipe to meet them all
Photo: snake
Reptile
Snakes
A snake's flicking tongue gathers scents from the air, so it smells with its tongue.
Photo: lizard
Reptile
Lizards
Many lizards can drop their tail to escape a predator, then grow a new one.
Photo: opossum
Mammal
Opossum
North America's only marsupial. Mothers carry their babies in a pouch.
Photo: tenrec
Mammal
Lesser hedgehog tenrec
It looks like a hedgehog, but this spiky animal from Madagascar is more closely related to elephants.
Photo: Pacman frog
Amphibian
Pacman frog
Named for its huge mouth, it sits still and waits for dinner to wander close.
Photo: tarantula
Arachnid
Tarantula
If a tarantula loses a leg, it can grow a new one the next time it sheds its skin.
Photo: scorpion under blacklight
Arachnid
Scorpion
Shine a blacklight on a scorpion and its whole body glows a bright blue-green.
Photo: millipede on a hand
Arthropod
Giant millipedes
Two pairs of legs on most body segments, and they curl into a tight spiral when nervous.
Real animals.
Dr. Karina + snake
Kids at a program
Dr. Karina portrait (shot list #2)
Hi, I'm Dr. Karina
I've spent years helping people of all ages care about the creatures most of us overlook. Now I bring my animals straight to your group, so everyone can meet them up close.
Hands on tortoise
Setup table
Anywhere you gatherReal learning.
Book a program
Background photo: animal close-up, full width
Pick a date. The wild can't wait.
Tell us about your group and Dr. Karina will confirm your date and program.
Planning
Planning your program
What do I need to provide?
A space for your group, a table near the front and a nearby outlet. Dr. Karina brings the animals and everything else.
Can kids touch the animals?
Many of the animals can be gently touched with Dr. Karina's help. Others are watch-only for their safety and yours, and Dr. Karina explains why.
How far does Dr. Karina travel?
Dr. Karina serves Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Ask about your location when you request a date.
How does the faith-based option work?
Choose "Faith-based" when you book, and the program will tie the animals and science to a Christian worldview.
How far ahead should we book?
Popular seasons like summer reading, Halloween and VBS fill up early, so reach out as soon as you know your date.