Fancy a ‘selfie’ with an owl, the chance to get up close to unusual creatures or to find out to your surprise, that snakes aren’t slimy?

All this and more at the fourth annual Safari Live event will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2014 (noon-five), at Crawfordsburn Country Park, near Bangor, County Down.

Supported by Vets4Pets and hosted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the event is free to visit with ample parking on-site and offers up plenty of family fun over the weekend, with two beaches and brilliant walks -all part of this great outdoor weekend, whatever the weather!

Domestic animals, exotics and as seen on TV, Phil’s mobile farm will all feature plus interesting exhibitors bringing little-known facts about many creatures from red squirrels to bats and beyond, such as RSPB, Red Squirrel Forum, The Donkey Sanctuary (Saturday only) and Pets as Therapy.

The Owl Man will bring his fabulous selection of owls once again and for a modest donation that goes towards upkeep, you can take away a ‘selfie’ with one of these stunning birds.

With the name Safari, the event lends itself to a wildlife safari. This one may be on a much smaller scale – from mini-scale pond dipping finds to bugs and lizards to medium-sized animals, but there’s still plenty to see and do. However, visitors must still visit the zoo to see such big cats and other large animals!

The event continues to strive to keep conservation high on the agenda by promoting globally threatened species. Safari also endorses responsible animal care and with this in mind, Vets4Pets veterinary experts will be in attendance to discuss issues and advise pet owners.

Great children’s activities over the weekend include bat and bird box making in the education room and face painting. A small fee is charged for both of these activities. There is also the chance for one lucky winner to take away a pet-inspired hamper full of goodies from Vets4Pets. The proceeds will go to Cash For Kids, the local charity helping disadvantaged children in the Province.

One of the highlights over the last two years returns providing one free make and take craft per child. Younger visitors are invited to join resident artist Jim Russell to use recycled materials fashioned or up-cycled into animal-inspired creations!

Information on how to encourage all manner of wildlife into your garden from making simple bird feed to creating a bug hotel are all on the agenda. Visitors will also be welcome to enter the free competition for a Woody Wildlife Package, which includes a bug hotel, bat box and insect log worth £150!

Cats Protection and Cash for Kids are the event charities and fittingly, the Cats Protection mascot is a tiger. Staff from the Belfast Adoption centre will bring their tiger mascot and aim to organise a samba as in previous years, which snaked around the visitor centre and outdoors – a sight to behold!

Additionally, this year visitors can pick up a free ‘Wild About Animals in Northern Ireland’ magazine at the event or opt for the free download from the Safari site. Everyone is welcome to the event that brings wildlife and people together! The magazine is also currently available from all Vets4Pets outlets, all Northern Ireland libraries and other public places.

For further information please visit www.safarilive.info