Las Vegas has long been known for its animals that perform on stage in magic shows. Stephen Webb, founder of Learning Institute for Endangered Species (LIFES) Safari, is breaking tradition by bringing his exotic friends into the Las Vegas Valley classroom instead of the Strip showrooms.
There is no sleight of hand in what he is dong. Instead of magic, he gives the kids information about the animals he cares for in northwest compound that is under construction.
LIFES has partnered with the Clark County School District to bring interaction between animals and children to local schools.
"Most of these kids wouldn't have another opportunity to see these animals if I didn't go out to schools," Webb said.
Webb, along with his business partner and nephew Ed Webb, started doing school visits in August 2004. They give an hour-long presentation focused on education, while introducing spiders, scorpions, birds, snakes, lizards, sloths and even a mountain lion.
"The program is taught using the sponge theory. It's not strenuous, they just sit back and take information in," Webb said.
LIFES Safari curriculum is designed for kindergartners through 12th-graders. Webb has just put together, "Around the World in 60 Minutes," which is an educational presentation about the animals.
The emphasis for LIFE Safari has always been on education.
"There have been 16,000 species of animals lost since 1960," Webb said. "At that rate of extinction, what are we leaving our children?"
A decade ago while Webb was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, he began volunteering for two local animal groups, Keepers of the Wild and Jungle Friends. During his time volunteering, he worked with leopards, cougars and chimps and learned to take care of the animals. His volunteer work lead to a job as an animal handler with Siegfried & Roy and then a handler with the MGM Grand Lion Habitat.
"I left (the MGM) and dusted off my plans," Webb said. "I put together a 250-page business plan, partnered with my nephew and we started getting animals."
Webb said he thought he would never own animals because they belong in the wild.
"I don't deal with groups that deal with wild captives," he said. "All the animals (I have) were taken from homes where they weren't wanted anymore."
"All of the animals were born in captivity," Ed Webb said. "Once the animals become accustomed to human touch they can't be put back in the wild."
LIFES Safari has about 40 animals they take care of and bring on the school visits They also will do presentations at birthday parties and corporate events. During private parties Webb still works in as much animal education as he can. Specific animals can be requested for the birthday parties including a bobcat and a tiger that arrive with a double-entry safety cage.
LIFES Safari is planning its first fundraiser, a limousine poker run to be held in March. Each of the 20 limousines will make stops around the valley where players pick up cards. At the final stop the players who have the top five hands will win prizes and everyone will be treated to a party. The time, date and cost for the event have not been announced.
"We hope to get enough money to do five or six more schools," Stephen Webb said. "I'm always looking for ideas to get more schools done."
LIFES Safari also is trying to raise money through corporate sponsorships. Businesses can sponsor a school visit for $395 and the school district will choose the school or the donors can request a specific school they would like LIFES Safari to visit.
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