Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikky Moller.
Hi Rikky, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Once in a Wild began with a simple idea: to bring the wonder of animals directly to people who might never otherwise experience them up close. My wife Amanda, a zoologist, and I combined our backgrounds in animal care, science education, and creative storytelling to create a mobile zoo experience that was more than just entertainment.
We started small—just the two of us, a handful of rescued and adopted animals, and a passion for inspiring curiosity. Over time, word spread quickly. Schools began inviting us in for hands-on STEM programs, families booked us for birthdays, and organizations sought us out for community events.
Today, Once in a Wild has grown into a one-of-a-kind animal outreach company. We serve thousands of children and adults each year through interactive programs, afterschool clubs, and special events. Our mission is still the same: to make science and wildlife education accessible, fun, and unforgettable—one wild encounter at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Like many small businesses, we launched just before COVID hit, and overnight every school and event shut down. We had to pivot quickly, experimenting with virtual shows and online content just to keep our mission alive. At the same time, we were rescuing animals who needed safe homes, which added to both our responsibilities and our expenses.
Another challenge has been building the right team. Training zookeepers isn’t just about animal care — it’s about teaching them to become educators, performers, and ambassadors who can inspire kids and families. Creating our own original curriculum that blends science, fun, and compassion has taken years of trial and error.
Through all of it, the ups and downs have been constant. But every challenge has pushed us to innovate, to care more deeply, and to find new ways to connect people with wildlife. Those struggles are part of what make us who we are today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Once in a Wild?
Once in a Wild is a mobile zoo and wildlife education company that brings live animal encounters directly to schools, families, and communities. We specialize in creating hands-on, interactive experiences that blend science, fun, and storytelling in a way that sparks curiosity and compassion.
What sets us apart is our focus on education and inspiration. We’re not just showing animals — we’re teaching kids and adults to see them with wonder, empathy, and respect. Our programs are led by zoologists and trained animal educators, and everything we do is designed to align with school standards while still being wildly fun.
We’re known for our Zoo Club afterschool programs, birthday parties, community events, and creative pop-ups like Café & Cuddles, where families can enjoy coffee while meeting animals up close. Beyond entertainment, we also provide animal therapy sessions and custom activations for corporations and large events.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of being approachable, vibrant, and a little nerdy — our tagline is “Where Animal Nerds Hang Out.” That playful identity reflects who we are: passionate educators who believe that learning about animals should be joyful, memorable, and accessible to everyone.
At the heart of it all, we want readers to know that Once in a Wild isn’t just a show — it’s an experience that can change the way people see animals, science, and the world around them.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
For Amanda, some of her fondest childhood memories revolve around caring for animals — everything from dogs and horses to reptiles. She grew up surrounded by animals and developed a deep love and respect for them early on.
For me, it was the opposite. I never had a single pet growing up. In fact, when I first met Amanda, I realized how little I actually knew about even the most basic animal facts. That gap — her lifelong love of animals and my curiosity mixed with inexperience — is part of what inspired Once in a Wild. We wanted to create a program where anyone, no matter their background, could learn to connect with animals in a fun and meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onceinawild.com
- Instagram: @onceinawildzoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onceinawildzoo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@onceinawild
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/once-in-a-wild-san-antonio
