Zoo Man's Attractions

05/31/2026

This week The Zoo Man will be traveling.
June 1 , 2026 : Hartington NE Public Library at the City Hall & Auditorium 10:30 am

June 1 2026: Yankton Public Library 6 pm
June 2 2026: Yankton Public Library 10 am

June 2 2026 Mitchell SD Public Library 1:30 pm and 3 pm

June 4 2026 Dyckman Public Library Sleepy Eye MN 10:30 am

June 5 2026 Rock County Public Library LuVerne MN 10 am

Always check with your local library to make sure of correct times and changes of venue.

June 6 2026 Renville Sugar Beat Days in Renville MN

I hope to see everyone there. If you are interested I will have many of my books along to purchase. I hope to see you soon!

05/31/2026

The Zoo Man will be at the Dyckman Free Library on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

I will be there with many of my reptile friends for a fun and educational program promoting reading. Bring the kids, bring the grandkids, and come enjoy a morning of learning, laughter, and reptiles.

I will also have my books available if you wish to purchase a signed copy. I’d love to visit with you and talk a little Sleepy Eye history.

As many of you know, I enjoy Sleepy Eye history. Here is a fun story about the library that I wanted to share with everyone.

When the Library Was Buzzing With Activity

September 1942 brought an unusual problem to the Sleepy Eye Library. It wasn’t overdue books or noisy visitors. It was bees.

For years, bees had quietly made their home somewhere between the library walls. No one seemed to know exactly where they were coming from. Every now and then a few would wander into the building whenever the door was opened, causing little concern.

Then came the day the bees decided to take over.

One Saturday afternoon, the library suddenly came alive with thousands of buzzing visitors. Bees clung to windows, chandeliers, and the tops of bookshelves. When the librarian opened the door, she was greeted by a bee that promptly landed on her nose.

Startled, she quickly brushed it away. In the process, her glasses fell to the floor, damaging a lens. To make matters worse, the bee left her with a sting as a reminder that the insects were not to be taken lightly.

Soon help was called in. Chemicals were sprayed throughout the building, and the bee invasion was finally brought under control.

But the story wasn’t quite over.

The bees were gone, but an invasion of a different sort was there, bats were still flying around in the attic. Apparently, the library had more than one group of unexpected residents!

Just imagine checking out a book in 1942 while keeping one eye on the books and the other on the bees and bats. I suppose the librarian never expected her job description to include beekeeper and bat watcher.

As always, like my page and share my post. Together we can keep Sleepy Eye history alive.

05/29/2026

Extra fun with The Zoo Man!

05/29/2026

A good day…a fun day!!!!

05/28/2026

The Zoo Man entertained at an End Of School Party tonight!

05/28/2026

A fun day Wednesday in Brookings SD for the Brookings Public Library.

05/27/2026

The holiday season was beginning in Sleepy Eye. Only 18 days remained until Christmas. Fresh snow covered the streets and Main Street looked like something straight out of a Hollywood movie set. Store windows glowed with Christmas lights. Families were preparing for gatherings, meals, church services, and gift giving.

Then everything changed.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Almost overnight the excitement of Christmas turned into fear and uncertainty. Radios became the center of attention in homes throughout Sleepy Eye and the surrounding countryside. Families sat quietly listening for updates while anxiously wondering about their sons serving in the military.

At least five young men from the Sleepy Eye area were stationed in or near the fighting zone. Dennis and Donald Lendt, sons of Mr. and Mrs. William Lendt, were serving near Pearl Harbor. Elmer Kral of Sigel Township and Walter Schroepfer of Stark Township were also stationed in the Pacific area.

Another local young man, Gerald Harris, had left San Francisco shortly after Thanksgiving while serving in the Air Corps. His family had no idea exactly where he was located.

Can you imagine the emotions in those homes that Christmas season? Christmas decorations hanging in the windows while parents sat waiting and praying for word from their boys.

One local mother, Mrs. Harris, explained the men were never told exactly where they were going, although many believed they were headed toward the Burma Road. Families tried to stay hopeful, telling themselves that by now the boys had probably reached some safe port.

One family, the Lendts, received a letter from their sons just after the attack, but the letter had been mailed before Pearl Harbor. The words brought comfort, but no answers.

And perhaps one of the cruelest twists of fate involved Walter Schroepfer. His four-year enlistment had ended the very day after the attack. His parents feared he may have reenlisted as America entered the war.

The Christmas of 1941 would never be the same again for Sleepy Eye. The war had suddenly become personal. The small town holiday spirit was replaced with worry, patriotism, and prayers for loved ones far from home.

These stories and many others are why I wrote Forgotten Soldier.

My book Forgotten Soldier is now available to order. Many of my followers have already purchased their copies. Thank you for the incredible support.

Forgotten Soldier tells the stories of many brave young men who served our nation with honor, courage, and dignity. These are stories that deserve to be remembered and shared with future generations.

Order your signed copy today for $26 through Venmo. Please include your address with your order and I will personally mail your signed copy out to you.

You can also stop by:
145 East Main Street
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
And pick up a signed copy to save postage fees.

Their stories will not be forgotten.

As always like my page and share my post. Together we can keep Sleepy Eye history alive.

05/24/2026

Wednesday May 27, 2026
The Zoo Man returns to Bookings Public Library.
Sign up for your Summer Reading Program and join The Zoo Man at the park for all the fun!

05/24/2026

Meet the Author — The Zoo Man!

Author, podcaster, traveling zoo educator, and storyteller The Zoo Man will be appearing at the Jackson County Library on June 10, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. until 1:15 p.m.

Stop in during your lunch break and meet the author behind three popular books:
• The Zoo Man Remembers
• True Crimes And Bizarre Stories Of Sleepy Eye Minnesota
• Forgotten Soldier

The Zoo Man will give a short presentation about his books, the history behind the stories, and some of the unforgettable characters he has researched over the years. His humorous storytelling and energetic personality are sure to captivate the audience with laughs, local history, bizarre stories, and memories from another era.

Books will be available for purchase and signing during the event.

Also make sure to catch one of The Zoo Man’s live animal performances during his day in Jackson! Show times are 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. These entertaining and educational reptile programs are designed for all ages. There will be plenty of time for pictures after each performance.

Make plans now for a full day of history, humor, books, reptiles, and family fun with The Zoo Man!

As always like my page and share my post.

05/23/2026

Parents The Zoo Man’s Reptile Camp is coming up fast.
Register your kids today.

🐢 NEWS RELEASE – SLEEPY EYE, MINNESOTA 🐍

“The Zoo Man’s Reptile Camp Slithers Into Town July 15, 2026”

Families in Sleepy Eye are in for a wild and unforgettable experience this summer as The Zoo Man’s Reptile Camp returns on July 15, 2026, promising hands-on learning, excitement, and up-close encounters with fascinating reptiles.

Hosted at Allison Park, the one-day camp will feature two engaging sessions designed for different age groups:

* Session 1: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Ages 8–10)
* Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Ages 11–13)

In the event of inclement weather, activities will move indoors to 145 East Main Street in Sleepy Eye, ensuring the experience continues rain or shine.

This unique camp offers children the chance of a lifetime—an opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide variety of reptiles. Campers will explore:

* Turtles and tortoises
* Smaller snakes
* Larger snakes

Participants won’t just observe—they’ll touch, hold, and learn, gaining a deeper understanding of these often misunderstood but incredibly lovable creatures.

Learning comes alive through interactive experiences. Campers will:

* Take part in hands-on demonstrations
* Capture photos with reptiles
* Create fun, YouTube-style videos where they become the “experts”

Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt and snacks, making the day even more memorable.

The camp is led by Brent “The Zoo Man” Mielke, a seasoned educator with over 42 years of experience teaching both children and adults. Known for his high-energy, engaging style, The Zoo Man has built a reputation for making learning fun, safe, and unforgettable.

“This isn’t just a camp—it’s an experience,” organizers say. “Kids leave with confidence, knowledge, and stories they’ll be telling for years.”

Registration is now open, and spots are limited.

* Cost: $60 per camper
* Sign-up: Call or text 507-766-2523
* Payment: Accepted through Venmo

Parents are encouraged to register early, as the camp is already filling up quickly.

Whether your child loves animals, enjoys hands-on learning, or is looking for a one-of-a-kind summer adventure, The Zoo Man’s Reptile Camp is set to deliver a day packed with excitement, discovery, and fun.

Don’t miss it—July 15, 2026.



Help me share the post. Like my page. If you would like a reptile camp in your city call The Zoo Man.