Located the corner of 3rd Avenue and 1st Street East, lies Reptile World, which is home to one of the largest displays of reptiles and amphibians in Canada.
Fred the alligator and Brittany the boa constrictor, are some of the main attractions, who allow guests to see first hand the dedication to the preservation of these fast disappearing animals that Reptile World strives for.
“For anyone who comes in, if they can learn one thing or have a new appreciation for [reptiles and amphibians] then I feel accomplished,” said Shawn Fraser, a keeper at Reptile World.
Fred the alligator, which is one of the main attractions at the private exhibit, weighs in at 600 pounds. It’s no surprise he gets excited at feeding time.
“We feed him every Saturday at 5 p.m. He eats dead rats and mice. He can eat up to a dozen at a time,” said Fraser.
Brittany is brought out from time to time for guests, young and old, to have a chance to hold.
Showing her off, curious visitors flocked around her and Fraser. Some timid and some fearless, there was a sense of wonder surrounding the snake in the group of visitors.
“We like to bring Brittany out for people to see that [snakes] are not the monsters they are made out to be in the movies,” said Fraser.
Fraser said this exhibit is one of the few places in Canada that has venemous snakes on display. The idea is to educate visitors about the animals and Fraser reminds guests that snakes usually won’t attack in the wild, unless provoked.
Also making their home at Reptile World are some Burmese pythons, anacondas, a salt water crocodile, and poison dart frogs, who sport a vibrant blue because there isn’t much they're afraid of in nature.
Besides public visits, Reptile World also gives special school or group talks, which is part of their goal to educate the public about these interesting, and somewhat misunderstood animals explained Fraser.
Open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. seven days a week, for the summer, Reptile World makes it easy for visitors to stop in and view the spectacular reptiles and amphibians on display.
For more information, visit www.reptileworld.net or call 403-823-8623.
