Episode 22 - Conservation Meets Education: How Once in a Wild is Changing Lives

The Boost

Introduction:

In this episode of The Boost podcast, recorded live at San Antonio Startup Week, we sit down with Rikky Moller, CEO of Once in a Wild, a San Antonio-based company that offers immersive, educational animal experiences right in your backyard. Hosts Leon and Pablo chat with Rikky about his journey from creative director in advertising to co-founding a mobile zoo that prioritizes education, conservation, and joy.

Hosts:

Pablo Calvo: Linkedin

Leon Hitchens: Linkedin & X:

Guest:

Rikky Moller : LinkedIn & Once in a Wild

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm

Episode Highlights:

1. The Spark Behind Once in a Wild
   • Rikky shares how he and his wife started rescuing animals and bringing them to birthday parties, which eventually grew into a full-fledged business after the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread job loss.
   • Once in a Wild began offering virtual programs, which led to contracts with local school districts, and now aims to expand with additional branches and a possible brick-and-mortar location.
2. A Unique Educational Approach
   • Once in a Wild creates TEKS-aligned programs for Texas schools, using hands-on animal interactions to teach students about science, conservation, and responsible pet ownership.
   • Kids are inspired to study biology and STEM subjects, meeting animals like the endangered axolotl, which they may recognize from popular video games like Minecraft.
3. Positive Impact Beyond Education
   • Through animal therapy, Once in a Wild provides healing and joy in hospitals and senior homes, where animal interactions can stimulate profound emotional responses, especially in children with disabilities.
   • Rikky discusses the therapeutic benefits of animals, emphasizing how animal interactions can improve motor skills, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness.
4. Building a Brand with Purpose
   • Rikky, with a background in creative direction, shares how he developed a brand that reflects the culture of San Antonio—a celebration of life rather than a safari-themed concept.
   • The brand design focuses on vibrant colors and joy, moving away from traditional “zoo” aesthetics to capture the essence of San Antonio’s unique spirit.
5. Animal Welfare and Responsible Ownership
   • Once in a Wild educates the public about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of proper training and appropriate pet care.
   • Rikky explains how minor actions, like spaying and neutering pets or understanding an animal’s needs, can help reduce San Antonio’s high euthanasia rates and improve animal welfare.
6. Business Model Insights
   • Rikky and his team have opted to keep Once in a Wild a for-profit entity rather than a nonprofit, allowing for greater flexibility in operations while maintaining a focus on education.
   • He shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: focus on capital management, embrace mentorship, and join accelerators like Goldman Sachs’ small business program, which has been pivotal for their growth