So you think your crazy Uncle Eddie was the most outlandish thing to come through customs this year? Actually, it was likely a tiny exotic spider stuffed in a drinking straw, or so I learned at my first trip to the Star Eco Station in Culver City. The Eco Station is a non-profit environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue center. A cheap thrill for animal lovers, a mere eight buck donation got me a private tour through all the public parts of the facility.

The Eco Station takes in wild animals found way outside of their natural habitats (like a soft-shelled turtle roaming the streets of West L.A.) and gives them a safe home. It may not be the African savannah or a bonafied wetlands, but for all of these critters, it’s a definite improvement in living conditions.

Many of the Eco Station animals were once kept as pets and released when they either outgrew or outlived their owners. We’re talking about 30-foot snakes and birds that can live longer than you and I. Because of this, Star Eco Station works hard to educate kids and adults alike about what animals are and are not suitable as pets.

And these are some incredible animals. I thought I was scared to death of snakes, but there I was holding one “with a sweet disposition,” as it wound up my arm sniffing my skin with its tongue. I met a bird who had once lived with dogs could bark and growl. I met a big cat who once lived in the back seat of a truck and lived off hot dogs and bologna. Wild sightings indeed.

The Eco Station has an upcoming Enchanted Green Hallow’s Eve , a “fairytale fantasy for the entire family” on the last two evenings of this month. It can also use wildlife-loving volunteers any time of year if you’ve got the time. Call 310-842-8060 or visit http://www.ecostation.org/ecostation/index.htm for more information.

Also, read an interview YDT did with Jessica about the scoop on dog poop and  pollution here http://yourdailythread.com/2009/06/23/the-scoop-on-dog-poop/ .

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Guest post by Jessica Belsky, animal enthusiast and Communications Manager at Heal the Bay http://www.healthebay.org/ .

Tags: animal rescue, Animal rights, exotic animals in LA, family destination, free things to do with kids in LA, Kid Friendly, kids and wild animals