Wow, our office sure is busy lately! I can't believe all of the phone calls we've been getting lately - everything from birthday parties and day cares to summer camps and school fun fairs! Yes, summer camps and child care centre are getting ready for the summer season! I suppose its right on time. I can't believe how March just flew by this year!
We're still looking for a few awesome people to add to our team. We are holding interviews on Tuesday, April 7th and hopefully we will come out with a few great ones! If it all works out the way we would like, we'll be able to offer more parties on weekends. Of course if we end up running our own camp, we'll be back to the staff hunt grind before we know!
That's right there may be a Creature Quest SUMMER CAMP this year. I'm VERY excited. We're still waiting to hear about the venue. Once we're given the green light there everything else will fall into place and I'll let all of you know. I can just picture our Nature and Animal camp now..... day trips, ecology games, nature crafts and oh yes.... lots of animals! So let's all cross our fingers and hope that the venue comes through!
Anyhow, off to work again... The work is piling up!
Yolanta
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
New Ferret Nation
We got a new Ferret Nation 2 level cage on Friday - thank you Stephanie for arranging this for us. The ferrets are going to be SO happy in their new home... Maybe we'll get one for the chinchillas too..... Right now, we're just cleaning everything up before we begin construction. Honestly, I think this is going to take about 2 hours or so from start to finish. I hope I'm wrong and it goes by faster than this!
After we're finished this project, we're off to clean the animals, answer emails, arrange for space for job interviews, get ready for April 25ths The Great Vehicle Adventure and Easter Sunday's event at Sick Kids' Hospital. All in all, a very busy day. I hope we can get everything done.
ttfn.
Yolanta
After we're finished this project, we're off to clean the animals, answer emails, arrange for space for job interviews, get ready for April 25ths The Great Vehicle Adventure and Easter Sunday's event at Sick Kids' Hospital. All in all, a very busy day. I hope we can get everything done.
ttfn.
Yolanta
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Earth Hour 2009
I hope that Earth Hour 2009 has created some great memories for everyone and hopefully inspired you to turn out the lights more often. Not only will you be able to enjoy candle light more often while creating beautiful memories but it does help our world just a little bit more. After all, we only have this one planet!
Yolanta
Yolanta
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The weekend ahead plus some excitement
We're gearing up for another very busy weekend with an added bonus. On Sunday night, we are meeting with the creator of our brand new colouring sheets for a final approval. We're VERY excited. We're been hoping to create colouring sheets for some time now so it's a bit of a dream come true now that they are almost finished. The first draft that I saw was fantastic. With any luck we'll be down loadable in mid to late April!
ttfn
Yolanta
ttfn
Yolanta
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring has sprung!
Well it's definitely feeling like spring. The sun is beating down through our windows. All sorts of migratory birds are back. We've recently spotted red-wing black birds, robins and turkey vultures - so cool! Flowers are starting to come up in the yard like the lovely snow drops that I look at every day.
With everything seeming to awaken, it's no wonder that the animals are starting to get very restless. They all seem to know that sooner than later they will be able to enjoy the sun on their skin/fur/scales and maybe eat a little fresh grass. They just cannot contain their excitement. It seems that even when given the run of the main level, they all seem to hop/stomp over to the porch door and stare longingly into the back garden.
I really don't blame them. With the sun beaming so nicely into the house, we've made our way into some local parks for a brief walk before starting our day a few time in the past few weeks. It's so nice to be able to connect with nature even for just a moment in this very concrete and steel city that we live in. I love discovering all of the neat things that happen each and every day in nature that just go unnoticed by most people walking by.
Just a few more weeks, I'm guessing, and then the animals will have a chance to walk about outside again. Right now it's still a wee bit too cold for them and their health is the most important thing to us. Until then, I'll have to make sure to keep that back window crystal clear just for them.
ttfn.
Yolanta
With everything seeming to awaken, it's no wonder that the animals are starting to get very restless. They all seem to know that sooner than later they will be able to enjoy the sun on their skin/fur/scales and maybe eat a little fresh grass. They just cannot contain their excitement. It seems that even when given the run of the main level, they all seem to hop/stomp over to the porch door and stare longingly into the back garden.
I really don't blame them. With the sun beaming so nicely into the house, we've made our way into some local parks for a brief walk before starting our day a few time in the past few weeks. It's so nice to be able to connect with nature even for just a moment in this very concrete and steel city that we live in. I love discovering all of the neat things that happen each and every day in nature that just go unnoticed by most people walking by.
Just a few more weeks, I'm guessing, and then the animals will have a chance to walk about outside again. Right now it's still a wee bit too cold for them and their health is the most important thing to us. Until then, I'll have to make sure to keep that back window crystal clear just for them.
ttfn.
Yolanta
Monday, March 23, 2009
Milk and King Snakes Are Shedding Constantly!
It's driving us a little bonkers right now, but it must mean that our little guys are pretty happy. That is our Brook's Kingsnakes and Tangerine Milksnakes. These little eating machines won't quit shedding! It seems that they finish and two weeks later they start all over again! It's terrible for parties that request these gorgeous snakes and we want to handle them too. Fortunately, we have some really gorgeous corn snakes that we can substitute with!
Well it's off to defrost some mice and rats for Monday's snake feed...
Yolanta
Well it's off to defrost some mice and rats for Monday's snake feed...
Yolanta
Friday, March 13, 2009
The heat is fixed
We are so delighted that the heat is finally fixed. Everyone made it our of this little hiccup perfectly. We're now catching up to the work that we missed yesterday - we were blowing fuses with all the heaters going! Duane is finished a big clean before the weekend.
This upcoming week is going to be a big one. We're fully booked with camps. It'll be a little nutty but I'm sure lots of fun.
I hope that everyone has a super Friday the 13th - two months in a row where the 13th falls on a Friday is pretty interesting.
Have a great one!
Yolanta
This upcoming week is going to be a big one. We're fully booked with camps. It'll be a little nutty but I'm sure lots of fun.
I hope that everyone has a super Friday the 13th - two months in a row where the 13th falls on a Friday is pretty interesting.
Have a great one!
Yolanta
Thursday, March 12, 2009
No Heat
We woke up this morning with no heat. It seems that our ventilation pipe has collapsed - or something like that. So for the next 24 hours, at least, we will not have the use of our furnace. Fortunately, with the help of electric heaters, a dehumidifier and old fashion cuddling, we should stay warm through what's supposed to be a cold night.
It's situations like these that make me feel very happy with our decision to keep most of these creatures living at home with us. Had we lost the heat in a facility, it could have been many more hours before we would have found out about the problem. But because we all live happily under the same roof, we were quickly able not only to have someone come in asses the situation, but provide a temporary solution that will see us through this rough patch. The animals are, after all, part of our family and they need to feel just as comfy as we do.
I am also very thankful that many of our reptiles have under tank heaters - so they had no idea anything different was going on. The ones that I most worry about are the birds and skinny pigs - but with our heaters they will be fine.
Crossing my fingers for a quick - and rather inexpensive - solution.
Yolanta
It's situations like these that make me feel very happy with our decision to keep most of these creatures living at home with us. Had we lost the heat in a facility, it could have been many more hours before we would have found out about the problem. But because we all live happily under the same roof, we were quickly able not only to have someone come in asses the situation, but provide a temporary solution that will see us through this rough patch. The animals are, after all, part of our family and they need to feel just as comfy as we do.
I am also very thankful that many of our reptiles have under tank heaters - so they had no idea anything different was going on. The ones that I most worry about are the birds and skinny pigs - but with our heaters they will be fine.
Crossing my fingers for a quick - and rather inexpensive - solution.
Yolanta
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Employee Recruitment
We'll be at Humber College's Lakeshore campus today from 11 am to 1 pm in 'H' Building. If you would or someone you know would like to apply for the Assistant Animal Handler position feel free to come on down and meet us and ask lots and lots of questions!
On Thursday, March 26th we'll be at Sheridan's Oakville campus from 11 am to 1 pm. So if you didn't get the opportunity to apply in person and would like to do so, feel free to visit then.
Have a super day!
Yolanta
On Thursday, March 26th we'll be at Sheridan's Oakville campus from 11 am to 1 pm. So if you didn't get the opportunity to apply in person and would like to do so, feel free to visit then.
Have a super day!
Yolanta
Monday, March 9, 2009
A busy Saturday and our daughter's birthday party
I just want to thank all of our Saturday parties and our one Sunday party. We had a great time and have begun a list of new animal names - like Meghan-Long!
On Sunday, we took the afternoon and evening off to celebrate our daughter's 2nd birthday. We don't take much time off (at all really). So it was nice to spend some time with friends and family while celebrating our daughter's birthday. I am so thankful to our friends and family. They have supported us since the begining and are always there for us even though we are normally too busy to be social (even on weeknights) - yesterday, actually, was the first time since January that I saw my best-friend....
We're back to work full-force today after our day of play. We're a little tired due to the time change, but much more relaxed and ready for a very busy month - we're booked solid for March!
See you all soon :)
Yolanta
On Sunday, we took the afternoon and evening off to celebrate our daughter's 2nd birthday. We don't take much time off (at all really). So it was nice to spend some time with friends and family while celebrating our daughter's birthday. I am so thankful to our friends and family. They have supported us since the begining and are always there for us even though we are normally too busy to be social (even on weeknights) - yesterday, actually, was the first time since January that I saw my best-friend....
We're back to work full-force today after our day of play. We're a little tired due to the time change, but much more relaxed and ready for a very busy month - we're booked solid for March!
See you all soon :)
Yolanta
Sunday, March 8, 2009
New Hire - Meet Stephanie
We are happy to announce the hiring of an Assistant Animal Handler! Stephanie will be joining us on Saturday shows starting two weeks from today. She's a great gal who has many years of experience with animals. She is currently working full time at PJ's Pets and will be with us on a part-time basis. We are looking forward to growing our company with her on board.
We still have two Assistant Animal Handler positions open. If you know someone, or are someone, that would love to work with animals and children, please submit your resume to info@creaturequest.ca.
For a job description, please visit our website, www.creaturequest.ca. There is also a description in one of my previous posts.
Have a lovely Saturday afternoon.
Yolanta
We still have two Assistant Animal Handler positions open. If you know someone, or are someone, that would love to work with animals and children, please submit your resume to info@creaturequest.ca.
For a job description, please visit our website, www.creaturequest.ca. There is also a description in one of my previous posts.
Have a lovely Saturday afternoon.
Yolanta
Friday, March 6, 2009
March and April
March has come so quickly. It's hard to believe that it's almost spring!
With March break in a few weeks and the Easter long weekend a few weeks after that, people have been planning their children's birthday parties very early this year. In fact, we only have a few week day spots left in March. And weekend in April are pretty much full but we do have some week day spots left.
We will be taking all of our staff to The Great Vehicle Adventure on Saturday, April 25, from 9 am to 6 pm - which means that we won't be offering parties on that day. But this show will give people the opportunity not only to see our super cool animals but see some cool, cars, trucks, etc and celebrities too. I hear that the Toronto Blue Jays will be among the celebs.
So I hope that if we can't make it to your party this April, that you do come and visit us on April 25th at The Great Vehicle Adventure at the Toronto Congress Centre. Parking is free but admission is $10. I'll post more about the show later - I may even be able to get some free tickets....
Have a super weekend and I hope to see you soon!
Yolanta
With March break in a few weeks and the Easter long weekend a few weeks after that, people have been planning their children's birthday parties very early this year. In fact, we only have a few week day spots left in March. And weekend in April are pretty much full but we do have some week day spots left.
We will be taking all of our staff to The Great Vehicle Adventure on Saturday, April 25, from 9 am to 6 pm - which means that we won't be offering parties on that day. But this show will give people the opportunity not only to see our super cool animals but see some cool, cars, trucks, etc and celebrities too. I hear that the Toronto Blue Jays will be among the celebs.
So I hope that if we can't make it to your party this April, that you do come and visit us on April 25th at The Great Vehicle Adventure at the Toronto Congress Centre. Parking is free but admission is $10. I'll post more about the show later - I may even be able to get some free tickets....
Have a super weekend and I hope to see you soon!
Yolanta
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Looking for a few good handlers
We are currently looking for a few awesome people to come and join our team.
The job description is below. If you know anyone that would fit the bill have them send in a resume to info@creaturequest.ca.
Have a super day!
Yolanta
Job Title: Assistant Animal Handler
Status: Part-time, on-call
Program Description:
Creature Quest Inc. is an animal education company founded on the principal that the living world and its inhabitants are important and that learning should be fun and interactive. The utilization of over 50 species of animals helps us not only demonstrate many biological concepts but provides guests with the opportunity to meet and handle animals they may have never even seen before. We hope that these up close encounters will inspire participants to help conserve the natural world and to choose future pets responsibly.
Job Description:
An Assistant Animal Handler is wanted to help the Lead Animal Handler in presentations using exotic and domesticated animals. These presentations are held primarily for children in birthday parties, schools, camps, day cares, and are interactive and hands-on in nature. Assistant Animal Handlers are positive role models for children and other guests.
Responsibilities
· Pick up animals and drive to shows in various areas in southern Ontario
· Load/unload animals from vehicle and set up/take down the show
· Assist the Lead Animal Handler throughout the show
· Supervise interaction between animals and participants and ensure safe handling of animals
· Supervise distribution of promotion materials, and handouts
· Answer participant questions accurately in a timely, age appropriate and respectful manner
· Dispense correct information on the animals, including native animals, to participants
· Other tasks as assigned by company owners
Qualifications:
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, well groomed applicants. Applicant must have a valid Ontario drivers’ licence and have access to a reliable vehicle with air conditioning and heating. The applicant must be willing to work on call, evenings and weekends. Successful applicants will have excellent public speaking skills and be fluent in English. Previous experience working with children and the general public preferred. The ability or willingness to work safely with and handle a large array of exotic animals including but not exclusively scorpions, tarantulas, snakes and lizards is required. Training and animal study guide will be provided. Previous knowledge of exotic animal care and natural history as well as knowledge of native species preferred. An up-to-date CPR and First Aid certificate or willingness to receive training is required. Candidates must be to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and work sitting on the floor.
Additional Requirements:
Successful applicants are required to submit a clear Criminal Records check prior to contract signing
How To Apply
Please submit resumes to: info@creaturequest.ca
No phone calls please
We thank all candidates in advance, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
The job description is below. If you know anyone that would fit the bill have them send in a resume to info@creaturequest.ca.
Have a super day!
Yolanta
Job Title: Assistant Animal Handler
Status: Part-time, on-call
Program Description:
Creature Quest Inc. is an animal education company founded on the principal that the living world and its inhabitants are important and that learning should be fun and interactive. The utilization of over 50 species of animals helps us not only demonstrate many biological concepts but provides guests with the opportunity to meet and handle animals they may have never even seen before. We hope that these up close encounters will inspire participants to help conserve the natural world and to choose future pets responsibly.
Job Description:
An Assistant Animal Handler is wanted to help the Lead Animal Handler in presentations using exotic and domesticated animals. These presentations are held primarily for children in birthday parties, schools, camps, day cares, and are interactive and hands-on in nature. Assistant Animal Handlers are positive role models for children and other guests.
Responsibilities
· Pick up animals and drive to shows in various areas in southern Ontario
· Load/unload animals from vehicle and set up/take down the show
· Assist the Lead Animal Handler throughout the show
· Supervise interaction between animals and participants and ensure safe handling of animals
· Supervise distribution of promotion materials, and handouts
· Answer participant questions accurately in a timely, age appropriate and respectful manner
· Dispense correct information on the animals, including native animals, to participants
· Other tasks as assigned by company owners
Qualifications:
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, well groomed applicants. Applicant must have a valid Ontario drivers’ licence and have access to a reliable vehicle with air conditioning and heating. The applicant must be willing to work on call, evenings and weekends. Successful applicants will have excellent public speaking skills and be fluent in English. Previous experience working with children and the general public preferred. The ability or willingness to work safely with and handle a large array of exotic animals including but not exclusively scorpions, tarantulas, snakes and lizards is required. Training and animal study guide will be provided. Previous knowledge of exotic animal care and natural history as well as knowledge of native species preferred. An up-to-date CPR and First Aid certificate or willingness to receive training is required. Candidates must be to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and work sitting on the floor.
Additional Requirements:
Successful applicants are required to submit a clear Criminal Records check prior to contract signing
How To Apply
Please submit resumes to: info@creaturequest.ca
No phone calls please
We thank all candidates in advance, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Last Weekend of Feb 2009!
The last weekend of February has been a very busy weekend. We've been all over the map, from Caledon to Oakville and Markham and Scarborough. The one thing that all of these places had in common was a bunch of cool kids that all LOVED animals!
Thank you to all of the birthday boys and girls (and their parents too!) for inviting us to your parties. All of our animals are back in their beds now - a little tired from all of the parting this weekend! They'll be happy to relax, sleep and eat listening to only waterfalls trickling, birds chirping and sometimes humans talking for two days before heading back to work.
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Yolanta
Thank you to all of the birthday boys and girls (and their parents too!) for inviting us to your parties. All of our animals are back in their beds now - a little tired from all of the parting this weekend! They'll be happy to relax, sleep and eat listening to only waterfalls trickling, birds chirping and sometimes humans talking for two days before heading back to work.
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Yolanta
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