About Us
We are Bedfordshire's only multi-award winning, family run animal encounters business and mobile zoo. We launched in 2014, being set up by qualified and professional zoo keepers, Becky Meredith-Shaw and her sister, Tara Shaw. We now have a fantastic, small team of passionate and engaging presenters, that you can read more about below. We cover Bedfordshire, England and a wide surrounding area, including Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Please get in touch to discuss your location, or visit our FAQ page.
Many of our animal team are rescues, or rehomed ex-pets and we pride ourselves on our very high welfare standards, both at home and out and about- so you can book with confidence! We think it's important to teach everyone about our planet and the amazing animals we share it with, to teach those of all ages to respect wildlife and their habitats and to show the very real responsibilities of pet ownership- hence why so many of our animals are adopted, with a story to tell. We ensure you have a safe, up close experience that is appropriate and comfortable for both you and our Animal Ambassadors.
If you have a child who is animal mad, if you are a teacher looking for an inspiring presentation or workshop, or you’re looking for an unusual, educational, attention grabbing feature for your event or party- we are just what you’re looking for! Our animal encounters are 5 star rated on Facebook and Add To Event.
Teaching Talons has won awards such as the Bedfordshire Business Champions winner, at the Town & County Business Champions awards, Best Enterprising Business at the Luton & Beds SME Awards, Most Innovative Mobile Zoo - UK at the Global 100 awards and even Best Animal Encounters Business & Mobile Zoo 2023 with the SME News Southern Enterprise Awards- along with multiple green and sustainable awards- to name a few!
We are a limited company, registered with Companies House, no.08746757 and have public and product liability insurance with up to £5,000,000 of cover. Our presenters are all enhanced DBS checked. Teaching Talons hold an Animal Activities License, no. 19/017833 issued by Central Bedfordshire Council. Please note, animal encounters companies without an AAL are now operating illegally. Teaching Talons has a Type 1 Animal Transporter Authorization Certificate. We don’t own, or use any animal classed by law as a DWA, Dangerous Wild Animal. Any animal we own that is protected by CITES, Convention for the International Trade of Endangered Species, has all relevant paperwork, such as Article 10's and our birds are registered with the Independent Bird Register.
DBS checked, qualified staff
Public liability insurance
£5,000,000
Animal Activities License, no. 19/017833
TRANSPORT AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE
Full risk assessment
Dream Team
Becky
LEAD PRESENTER &
ANIMAL MANAGER
Becky is an experienced zoo animal keeper, presenter and trainer. She set up Teaching Talons Ltd in 2014.
She has worked, volunteered with and studied animals from her mid-teens onwards. This includes experience in zoos, kennels, stables, farms, wildlife rehabilitation and even a wildlife sanctuary in Africa!
Her qualifications include a BSc. Honours degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training, achieved at Bishop Burton College.
Becky has worked at Woburn Safari Park, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park and Heythrop Zoological Gardens. Her experience is with a wide range of species, such as sea lions, primates and birds of prey. She was also the lead education officer at Combe Martin Wildlife Park and has lectured Animal Behaviour at North Hertfordshire College.
Becky has completed BIAZA certified training in positive reinforcement, is a professional member of ABWAK and has been an active member of the Bedfordshire bat group.
Yaz
PRESENTER & LEAD ANIMAL KEEPER
Yaz joined the team in 2022. He is our main animal keeper for daily care at home, as well as presenting at most bookings when we are out and about.
Yaz has completed ZSL's Zoo Academy' course, is a professional member of ABWAK and has completed CPD at two KeeperFests and various ABWAK and BIAZA workshops. He also has an Animal Welfare Diploma, completed with distinction.
In his spare time, he runs his own business, Motley Exotics, making anatomically correct, needle felted invertebrates and enclosure signage, as well as volunteering on a sheep farm. Check out Motley Exotics on Etsy, or Instagram!
Yaz has a huge passion for reptiles and invertebrates and has his own private collection at home of over 40 tarantulas, 10 mantids, 4 snakes and 3 geckos! In fact our giant gecko, Oscar and snakes, Ferrous and Tapis belong to Yaz and live at home with him!
Lauren
FREELANCE PRESENTER & ANIMAL KEEPER
Lauren and Becky met when both working as animal keepers at Woburn Safari Park. She was also a lecturer at North Hertfordshire College when Becky guest lectured there.
Lauren still lives locally and does freelance work for us to help during busy periods, or when Becky is away. She does this around her full time job, working as a lecturer for Capel Manor College, where she teaches their zoo keeper apprenticeship.
We are often at the same CPD courses and conferences, gaining new knowledge to share with you all!
Lauren has two children and also runs her own blog on things to do with the kids in the local area. Search for 'Mumday Funday' on Facebook and give her a follow!
Emilie
PRESENTER & ANIMAL KEEPER
Emilie is our newest team member, joining us in July 2024.
She is a driven, hard working lady- working for us part time around her job at the Natural History Museum AND studying for a masters degree!
Emilie already holds a degree in zoology and previously worked as a science educator at the Natural History Museum, before moving into a collection based role, currently with lichen!
On top of this, she has previously worked at ZSL and London SeaLife, as well as volunteering at Shepreth Wildlife Park!
Wendy
DIRECTOR, OWNER
& ANIMAL PRESENTER
Wendy is one of our owners and directors. She also helps with animal handling and presenting duties and is Becky and Tara's Mum! She is a fantastic gardener and brilliant at plant identification. She collects a multitude of natural, safe weeds, flowers and plants for our animals to eat each week. This ensures a varied and natural diet!
Wendy often attends our care home and SEN sessions, having previously worked as a care give for adults with additional needs.
Russ
DIRECTOR, OWNER
& ANIMAL PRESENTER
Russ is our owner and director, as well as a fully trained presenter and animal handler for Teaching Talons. He is also Becky and Tara's Dad!
Russ is emergency first aid trained and does the majority of our accounting.
As well as Teaching Talons, his other passion is football, including walking football and frame football, for children with cerebral palsy. He has a wealth of experience working with children and SEN groups.
Tara
ARTWORK, GRAPHICS AND DESIGNER
Tara is an experienced animal keeper, presenter and trainer, specializing in birds with several years working at two zoological collections.
She has a LANTRA award in falconry and BIAZA certified training in Raptor Health and Longevity as well as being a professional member of ABWAK.
Tara now works as an artist and maker. She does all of our graphic design and made and maintains our website! You can see her artwork here.