We are a fully licensed and insured, USDA approved, private zoo which houses over thirty different animal species. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in combining entertainment and education to fit the specific needs of any function. Samantha and her staff have many types of programs, suitable for all ages, and any of our programs can be combined to meet individual needs.

Also known as the “Rat Lady,” Samantha Martin, the Founder and Director, started working and training animals over twenty years ago. She attended the University of Iowa and graduated from Kirkwood College with a degree in Animal Husbandry. She is also a graduate of the Brookfield Zoological Internship program and has worked at a variety of animal facilities, including a veterinary clinic, pet shop, and animal shelters.

Samantha Martin has made numerous appearances on local and national television programs, such as Wild Chicago, WGN, CNN, MTV, and Geraldo. She has also been flown as far as Italy to perform her show. Many of her animals have appeared in movie productions, commercials, and print ads.

In 1997, Samantha completed work on two documentaries. One took her to New York and Los Angeles, and the other sent her all the way to Vienna, Austria. Both documentaries have aired on Discovery Channel and National Geographic Explorer.

Samantha has also performed locally at Great America and has been featured at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry for three years in a row at their annual Boo Fest.

In 1999, Samantha was honored as one of “Chicago’s 100 Women Making a Difference,” and was featured in Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine.

People of all ages love animals, and our furry and feathered friends love to meet and perform for people. All of the animals live with Samantha and she has dedicated her life to insure that they are healthy, happy, and loved.