Wild Encounters was born from friendship, passion, and a lifelong love of animals. We’re McKenzie Mungai and Yvanna Paez, two best friends who grew up surrounded by the wonder of the natural world. From the time we were little, animals weren’t just pets or hobbies for us. They were family, teachers, and the spark that shaped who we are today.

Over the years, that spark grew into something bigger. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience caring for and learning about animals, and backgrounds working in education, we found ourselves not only caring for creatures but also sharing their stories. Today, as animal conservationists, we dedicate our lives to protecting wildlife, but we wanted to do more than that. We wanted to invite others into our world.

What started as a “what if” moment between two friends quickly blossomed into a dream come true. Wild Encounters is our way of opening doors to a world that many never get to experience. From lizards, tortoises, and iguanas to chinchillas, birds, and more than 20 unique species, each encounter is a chance to connect people with animals they may have never seen up close before. When we bring our animals to schools, birthday parties, or community events, our mission is simple: to inspire curiosity, respect, and compassion. We believe that the more people understand and connect with animals, the more they’ll care about protecting them.

For us, Wild Encounters is more than just a business, it’s the heart of who we are. We’re so excited to share our passion, our animals, and our journey with you. Welcome to our wild world!