An Unforgettable Evening with Hunt’s Exotics Foundation

The Evening Unfolded

Last Wednesday’s We Read Wednesday was one for the books — laughter, learning, and a little bit of magic hopping through the shop.

Sara Hunt, her daughter Mara, and their sweet wallaby Brizzy joined us for storytime, and the energy in the room was electric. Sara read a charming story about a wallaby, while Brizzy — a one-and-a-half-year-old bundle of curiosity, knee-high and 26 pounds of pure personality — watched on from her pouch and soaked up all the attention.

After the reading, Sara, Mara, and Brizzy stuck around to answer questions, pose for pictures, and share some incredible insights about caring for wallabies and the work of their foundation. There were “oohs” and “ahhs”, bursts of laughter, and plenty of delighted smiles.

Wallaby Fact Interlude:

Wallabies are marsupials — their babies, called joeys, grow up safely in mom’s pouch (like Brizzy’s).

They can hop at speeds up to 30 mph but prefer gentle bounds when relaxed.

Their tails act like a third leg, giving balance and support when standing still.

Meet the Mission of Hunt’s Exotics Foundation

The Hunt’s Exotics Foundation, located in Umatilla, FL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a heart as big as its habitat. They care for 73 species and over 200 individual animals, offering refuge and education while inspiring compassion for wildlife.

Their focus is conservation through education — bringing people face-to-face with animals they may never otherwise encounter, and teaching the importance of protecting them. From kinkajous to kangaroos, every creature in their care has a story, and Sara and her team dedicate their lives to making sure those stories continue.

“To protect and preserve the incredible diversity of our planet’s most extraordinary creatures.” — Hunt’s Exotics Foundation

You can learn more or get involved here: huntsexoticsfoundation.org

Wallaby Earrings for a Cause

We were thrilled to unveil our Wallaby Earrings, inspired by Brizzy herself and her siblings! A portion of every sale supports Hunt’s Exotics Foundation and their mission of care, rescue, and education.

🛒 View the Wallaby Earrings here

What’s Next: Painting with a Wallaby!

We’re not done yet — next up is our Painting with a Wallaby event on Sunday, November 16th from 6–8 PM right here at Happy Hippie Customs!

All supplies are included, an artist will guide the experience, and yes — our fuzzy friends will be there too. Proceeds go directly to Hunt’s Exotics Foundation.

🎟️ Reserve your spot here

Final Thoughts

We’re still glowing from last Wednesday’s event. Nights like these remind us what Happy Hippie Customs is all about — connection, creativity, and community with heart.

To Sara, Mara, and Brizzy: thank you for sharing your world with us. To our incredible Collectors: thank you for filling the room with warmth, curiosity, and joy. Together, we’re making something truly special — and the story’s just getting started.