My daughter and I once went to a Wild Fangs event: https://www.facebook.com/WildFangsUK/ and she really enjoyed it. He explained a lot about the animals and was very good at engaging the children.

Just saw the post and thought I reply even though it's been a while.

My friend Paul is brilliant, very experienced and knowledgable and very good with children. He's low key and very calm so the kids tend to take their steer from him. He usually does schools but is up for parties (if charlton aren't playing at home!). He runs the technology shop at Ivydale Primary but has snakes, a dragon, scorpion, giant stick insects etc. Very reasonable rates too. Obviously there need to be adults to help supervise the behaviour etc but the animals are used to being handled (except scorpion, obvs!) and Paul is very clear with instructions. He can be contacted at pnewham@ivydale.southwark.sch.uk and there are some pics here http://www.slstc.southwarklea.org.uk/animal_shows.htm

Safari Pete is good and can command attention well, not to mention keeping them all in line if they're a bit lively, (the animals and the kids)

Does anyone have any recommendations for animal party entertainers for a 7-year old's birthday party?