Snakes and tortoises to invade Yellowknife
Little Ray's Reptile Zoo to inhabit Multiplex this weekend
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Friday, July 8, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
People young and old can come face-to-face with tiny sharp-tooth crocs, giant red-eyed snakes and more when the Ottawa-based Little Ray's Reptile Zoo comes to the Multiplex this weekend.
Boa constrictors, like the one Paul Goulet, left, is holding, will be on display at Little Ray's Reptile Zoo. The zoo, owned by Goulet, will be in town through the weekend starting today. It features 10 live animal exhibits and educational programming. - photo courtesy of Little Ray's Reptile Zoo |
The dinosaur-themed exhibit called Great Reptiles of the World will feature different types of snakes and reptiles, such as a monitor lizard, iguana, giant tortoise and boa constrictor.
'For dinosaur lovers, the travelling zoo is displaying triceratops and T-Rex skulls, a super croc skull and a few more fossils.
Paul "Little Ray" Goulet, founder and owner of Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, said he strives to educate people about reptiles and amphibians from around the world and promotes what he calls "backyard conservation."
"We're very good in Canada about teaching our children how to save tigers in Asia and gorillas in Africa. Most Canadians can't name an animal that lives in their own city that is threatened or endangered," he explained, saying "backyard conservation" refers to promoting education about what endangered or threatened animals might live around Yellowknife.
"Peregrine falcons were on the brink of extinction ... you guys have them up there again, so they are a great success story," he added.
Today, tomorrow and Sunday, the privately funded education outreach zoo will set up a 2,500-square-foot exhibit with 10 live-animal exhibits and perform 30-minute formal educational programs throughout the day.
"Give yourself a good one-and-a-half to two hours to see and do everything," said Goulet.
"The shows are the highlight of this exhibit so don't miss them. Bring your camera - but no flash please - your enthusiasm and enjoy."
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, the zoo will be open specifically for special needs families.
Little Ray's Reptile Zoo is the largest animal rescue in Canada and is accredited by the private charitable organization Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, an agency that represents zoos and aquariums that engage the public in animal conservation and education in a humane manner. Eighty per cent of Goulet's reptiles are seized or unwanted pets.
"It's great to know about animals around the world but we do want people to know about some of the animals that live right in our community and some of the things people can do to help," he said.
