KIDS/SNEAK PEEK : TV'S KRATT BROTHERS SHOW KIDS WHY ANIMALS NEED THEM.

Byline: - Nancy Hewitt

Protecting and respecting all wildlife is not just a concern of adults. Kids care, too.

That's why Chris and Martin Kratt, who co-host the kids' wildlife program ``Kratts' Creatures'' and ``Zoboomafoo,'' which is geared to preschoolers, have put together a traveling show to inform and empower kids.

``Zoboomafoo Presents: The Kratt Brothers' Creature Hero Tour 1999'' arrives in Southern California for three days - Sept. 4, 5 and 6 - at Universal Studios Hollywood's Animal Actors' Stage.

There will be three live shows each day at 11 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. followed by an autograph session at 2:30 p.m.

According to Chris Kratt, a biologist and wildlife filmmaker and co-creator of ``Kratts' Creatures,'' the show features no live animals. ``We act out an adventure that happened in the Amazon rain forest,'' he explains. ``We play ourselves. The kids do all the animal sounds. We teach them the sounds before we begin and cue them during the show.''

The television programs the Kratts are involved with are shown on public television and often feature the brothers sharing personal experiences and educating young viewers about respecting wildlife and recognizing the plight of endangered animals. ``We try to make something that appeals to all ages,'' says Kratt.

Kratt also is one of the co-producers of the shows and a co-founder of the Earth Creatures Co., a nonprofit organization founded to collect funds for endangered animals.

Both brothers have been active in animal causes for years and have traveled all over the world observing and filming wildlife. However, they didn't realize how much impact their stories had until they began receiving letters from kids all around the country asking ``What can we do to help the animals?''

One little girl wrote that she cleaned out her piggy bank and was sending $36.04, saving just enough to buy certain necessities like bubble gum, Kratt says.

In response the brothers formed the Kratt Brothers' Creature Hero Society. Becoming a member of this society makes youngsters creature heroes. ``This is a way to empower kids to do something to help the animals they love,'' Kratt says. ``They know of the plight of the manatee. They want to know how to help manatees whose backs are getting ripped up by propellers.''

One of the first initiatives of this new society is the current multi-city tour designed to raise funds to build the Kratt Brothers' Creature Refuge, a habitat that will be a safe home for endangered American wildlife.

In fact, the brothers have appealed to young viewers to make suggestions where the refuge should be built and what animals should be housed there.

Universal Studios will donate a dollar for each paid admission to the Kratt Brothers' Creature Refuge Fund. Admission is $39 adults, $34 seniors age 60 and older and $29 children age 3 to 11. The park is at Universal City Plaza. [phone].

Put another candle ...

It's the Los Angeles Children's Museum's 20th birthday this year. To kick off the museum's celebration, alumni - people who visited the museum as children - are especially encouraged to come and celebrate the museum's special day and revisit some old memories from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Visitors also will be asked to share thoughts and stories from their earlier visits.

The museum is at 310 N. Main St., Los Angeles. Admission $5 adults and children over age 2. Information: [phone].

Free show and treat

The Stella Adler Theatre and the Educational Theatre Company are offering a unique children's show called ``Time Freeze Space'' at noon Saturday and Sept. 25.

After the 40-minute performance, kids will be treated to a milk-and-cookies reception with the actors.

The theater is at 6773 Hollywood Blvd., second floor, West Hollywood. Information: [phone].

Take me to you leader

Come and take a look at the new Crazy Bones aliens and play or trade other Crazy Bones pieces with your friends at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at ZanyBrainy stores.

Stores are in Northridge at Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave.; [phone]; Thousand Oaks at Northgate Center, 111 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 101, [phone]; Pasadena, Hastings Village, 3393 E. Foothill Blvd., [phone]; Valencia, Town Center Drive, 24201 Valencia Blvd., [phone]; Glendale, 201 N. Brand Blvd.; and Canoga Park at Warner Center Marketplace, 6520 Canoga Ave., [phone].