I think that you could very diplomatically give her a care sheet that also has this forum's address prominently displayed. My son takes harry and harold in to school every year for his birthday and it is always a big hit. There is a need for children to learn about animals from more than just books. But if they(the animals) are in the class room, I think its critical that it is done properly. There is no shame in educating this teacher about a subject she may have no practical knowledge of. I think everyone has memories of the rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, frogs, and gerbils that were part of their classroom experience. You don't want the teacher having to find someone at the last minute to care for these class mascots.
I'm sorry I'm monologueing!!!
Go educate!!!
harold