Boek-el-ZOO

01/09/2025

Beat the snow and get to the store for your weekend feeders.
I now have grab-n-go roaches and superworms. I have all sizes of live and frozen/thawed rodents (even a few bigger items in the freezer if you have big mouths to feed).
The cricket bin is full. There are hornworms galore! You need night crawlers? Redworms? Mealworms? I've got em!!
Did you know that your bearded dragons, tegus, monitors and skinks enjoy a pinky from time to time and it provides essential protein and calcium to their diet?
I open at noon, so stop and see me!!

01/09/2025

Today's small business that I'm highlighting is Torrid Tattoos, just to the north of me on Main St.
Matty has created a beautiful, colorful canvas on my left arm that I began in 2022 in dedication to my friend Jo. His artwork is all original. He has been in his location for over 20 years.
Both of my daughters have had him do work on them also.
❤️If you have a piece by Matty, put a picture in the comments so everyone can see!❤️
Each of my pieces has a story and/or a special meaning. I'd be happy to share them if you'd like to listen. It's a work in progress, so check back with me periodically for updates!

01/09/2025

NOW YOU KNOW

We see a lot of new faces around here, but we're not always great at introductions 😬

Meet Gracie and Shimmer, two alpacas who sadly don’t have legs 😢

…Just kidding, their legs work fine! (they are just comfy 😉) We got them from another wonderful hobby farm, and they immediately befriended our lone alpaca lady who’s been bumming with the llamas.

Alpacas are highly social, like their big cousins the camel, and they should live with another alpaca whenever possible.

We hear a lot of “watch out, they spit!” with our camelid family (alpacas, llamas, camels), so here’s some spitting facts!

🦙 They spit at each other for many reasons including defense, social status, rejecting a suitor (females), and fighting (males).

🦙 Initially they try many warning signs before spitting: flattening ears, raising the head, vocal retorts, blowing air noisily, etc.

🦙 Camelids don’t naturally want to spit on humans! (we don’t count the sloppy drool when they are talking😅). We see spitting very rarely, such as an unhandled animal getting necessary veterinary care.

🦙 Most camelids that chronically spit at people LEARNED to, because humans continuously pursued their own agenda while ignoring warning signs & earlier communication from the animal ☹️ (Such as forcing an alpaca to be hugged and petted; most hate it!)

🦙 And while the drool (ahem, camels) can throw people off, “real” spit is a foul-smelling onslaught of gastric juice and undigested food that will keep your friends away for weeks! 🤢

🦙 Spitting is quite effective at getting the point across, but even the spitters hate it. In small camelids, stomach acid can have a numbing effect causing their whole mouth to hang open with floppy lips 😧 The effects pass in a few minutes, and this “sour mouth” may keep them from having digestive or fluid imbalances by over-spitting!

So now you know! We just love these guys and are so happy to grow our camels family 🥰

01/09/2025

This is not a surprise.
Have you MET most people?
Ewww....😳😉😵‍💫🥴

01/08/2025

In an effort to support other local businesses, I'd like to feature or highlight someone regularly in Princeton who owns a business.
Today, I am choosing Sisler's Ice Cream. Tieg and I have been working for over 2 years to encourage families to come to our area on Saturdays. I have provided an educational/interactive program at the store from 12-3 for the kids, and Tieg has generously allowed me to hand out FREE SCOOP coupons to the kids under 10 years old who attend.
It is my opinion that if one of us succeeds, we will ALL succeed, but we need to support and encourage one another regularly.
Check out their FB page, like it, check out their hours and coordinate a trip to see us both. (yes, I allow ice cream in the store as long as you are responsible with it! )
See you soon!

01/08/2025

WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE!
If you love the store, and enjoy what it brings to the community, leave a review please. I'd love them here at the page, but many people check out Google reviews too.
I feel like many of THOSE are from uninformed people out to cause trouble. I read one recently that made note of the fact that I have frozen rabbits in the freezer, implying they died here, under my lack of care. He didn't include the information that I have 2 snakes to feed that are 8ft and 15 ft long. The rabbits I get are losses from a breeder that freezes them for me as a food source that saves me money, since Big Gurl could eat 3-4 JUMBO rats a week. Rabbits fill her up for longer. I also don't advertise some of my larger food sources because there are 'concerned citizens ' who would intentionally and loudly object.
At the ZOO, we waste NOTHING. There is a use for every unfortunate loss or donation.
So, to counter act the uninformed critics, let show some love and encourage others to join us!!

01/08/2025

Come to the store and meet many of these breeds. If you need one of your own, I can help you out!

01/08/2025

I am SO encouraged! Thank you all for inviting friends! Keep up the great work!
When you love something, you want to share it with everyone, right?

01/07/2025

Day 7 of the new year.
Since advertising isn't in the budget, I am relying solely on recommendations and word of mouth. I am surprised daily at the people who walk through the doors that didn't realize Boek-el-ZOO existed.
So, on the 7th day, of my 7th year here, I challenge you to invite 7 of your animal loving friends to the page.
Near or far, it doesn't matter. I strive to make the page fun, informative and educational. Part of my mission is to better inform the public.
So go through your friends list and choose 7 people who would love what I have to offer. If you're like me, you can find MORE than 7. Let's see those numbers jump! 😉😊🤗
🦜🐸🐢🦎🐍🐠🦀🦐🐌🐛🦗🪳🕷

01/07/2025

New life at The Zoo!
I do as much of my own breeding as possible, not only to save money, but because I have always loved seeing the product of genetics.
I selectively breed for color and disposition so I can insure unique combinations. I love creating beautiful babies.
Because they are born in the store, they are handled and socialized as early as possible which increases the probability they will make better PETS.
I am not here to just move animals for a profit. I want my customers and critters to come together as lifelong companions. Breeding my own, or using trusted breeders with young animals allows me to give my customers maximum time with their pet.
In the event that I have an older animal for sale, there is 100% disclosure on the reasons, situation and background of that animal.
You don't have that type of assurance from a big box store.

01/07/2025

Now you know.

01/06/2025

We started the year off right.
THANK YOU.
I was encouraged by the shift in attitude. I feel like everyone is beginning to understand the benefit of shopping small and how important it is for the economy as well as the lives of the 'dreamers'.
I am periodically going to share something that exemplifies the difference between Mom and Pop vs. Big Box. I will also try to give you a little more insight from time to time as to who I am and why I am here.
Just to give you some background on ME...
I started my journey in this business in college (1986) after growing up on 190 acre farm full of livestock. I began my sophomore year in college at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. I applied for a part time job with Vic Dubbink at Pets Unlimited- a Mom and Pop shop. He took a chance on me and so began my 'career'. He carried a full line of animals and supplies. When I came home to Illinois for the summer, I worked at a corporate store in the area, so I have experience in both venues.
Vic, his wife Dawn and I have remained friends. He has visited the store in his travels and has been an encourager to me and my mission here.
I dont think either of us had a clue that the seed that was planted 39 years ago would sprout into this dream of mine that has blossomed into a staple in our community and beyond.
Just this week, I have had customers from Chicago, Erie and as far as Wisconsin. My goal this year is to bring the Mom and Pop experience to more people and show them the difference between dreamers and those who are here to do a JOB.
I'm not here to get rich.
I'm here to make a difference.

01/05/2025

2025 is the year I am going to ENJOY my store again. I have a purpose here. This was an amazing way to start the year off. Tiffany drove an hour to choose a bird and this was the lucky little guy that got to join her family with 7 children. He napped on her today, and took turns flying to each of her kids (much to their delight!)
He has 2 siblings that are still available if your household needs a cute addition.
I cannot WAIT to see what will happen this year at The Zoo! I hope you'll join me!
Be blessed and I'll see you next week, starting Wednesday at noon!

01/04/2025

The Blue Socatra is out and about today. Come and check him out before he retreats back to his hidey hole.
If live spiders aren't your thing, I have a large assortment of beautiful beaded arachnids to adorn your house or give to the spider lover in your life.
I also have a pink toe and a Regal jumping spider available, along with 8 legged earrings, bracelets and figurines. There are also signs, and enclosures (new and used).
Let's Make a Deal!!