A West Lothian man has created a business that features many different types of exotic animals, as he went from pet-lover to small business owner in just a few years.
Luke Mitchell, 25, runs Crazy Critters, an animal sensory experience that allows children and adults alike to come into contact with the likes of snakes, meerkats and even baby Highland Cows!
This idea began when Luke kept snakes as pets, and younger family members would come up and visit to interact with them, in a safe environment.
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Since then, Luke has rehabilitated and rehomed many different animals whos owners are unable to look after them, and travels around Scotland attending schools, birthday parties and even restaurants to teach everyone about the importance of these animals.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Luke said: "Being around these animals genuinely gives me a boost of happiness, so that's always my aim when I do my sensory experiences.
"It has been scientifically proven that when petting an animal, a chemical called oxytocin is released in the brain, which is the same chemical produced when interacting with people you love.
"This business began as just a hobby, when I was keeping snakes as pets. Then, I struck up a relationship with the family of a non-verbal, autistic boy who just loved animals.
"He showed the sheer happiness and delight when being around these animals, and actually managed to say a few small sentences when in their company. It got me thinking, could I be the small difference to other people, by teaching them about the thing I care about the most?
"So I decided to launch Crazy Critters, and it just took off from there. I do feel like I am well-suited to this, as I work well with kids, and I just love animals."
Being neurodivergent himself, 25-year-old Luke is hoping to be the difference for kids, like he would've appreciated as a youngster.
He added: "Yeah, I definitely do think that if I had something like this as a child, then it would've benefitted me a lot mentally.
"Working during the pandemic was tough, as it was for everyone, but I feel I've made a real community connection with the people of West Lothian.
"I'd love to speak to MP's and local councillors about the work I do, in order to push the idea further out and maybe help more people."
Alongside hand-rearing meerkats and other animals, one of Luke's biggest achievements is saving the life of little wallaby Wallace, aptly named as he was tasked with his care on William Wallace day.
Luke said: "When I visited a friend down south who bred wallabies,he had this little guy who had been kicked out the pouch twice as a baby, he was so small he could fit in my pocket. This was handy as I was living in the countryside at the time, and it takes me around an hour just to get to the shops.
"With him requiring 2 hourly feeds, I had to take him with me to ensure he was kept warm and didn't miss a feed.
"So I was literally mum to him for months. I got given him on William Wallace day so I found it only fitting to call him Wallace.
"The breeder hadn't ever had success nursing young joeys previously, as wallabies are extremely hard to hand rear.
"I looked at some zoological guides however because zoos are very hands off, the information wasn't very helpful.
"Thankfully I followed my intuition and nursed him based on his behaviour.
"He eats best when my heart rate was fast and he was close to my heart so I had to try and scare myself all the time just so he would eat well.
"I also take him outside in all weather's in my jumper and allow him to hop around in the enclosures."
Luke also said that due to visiting behavioural schools with his business, this has helped him in progressing as a person as well as his work.
He said: "As much as I work well with the kids, some parents can be surprised at how straightforward I am about the wellbeing of the animals as well.
"I always tell the children that they have to remain calm around the animals, no screaming or shouting, as it can stress them and I would never want to bring any harm to either animal or child.
"If I feel one of my animals isn't up for coming with me that day to work, I just don't take them. I have a one-strike rule for the animal's behaviour too, although thankfully I've never had to use it.
"If I feel an animal hasn't adapted to the environment well, I never take them back on the sensory experience, for peace of mind for myself and for parents."
Luke is hoping that by working with the local community and authorities, he could grow his business and help others with his sensory experience.
Luke will be at The Chain Runner & Marston's Inn in Livingston, West Lothian, for his next event on Valentine's Day.
There will be various animals on show, from tortoises to hedgehogs, and even your very own Sergei from the Compare the Meerkat/Market commercials.
The event will be held on February 14, Valentine's Day, and is only £10 per person to book, with 20 per cent off restaurant food if you decide to stay for a bite to eat.
To find out more about Luke's business, check out the Crazy Critter website here.
