Linus the sloth already making friends in hurry at Nepean Sportsplex
Alpacas, anacondas, bearded dragons and perhaps the biggest attraction of all, Linus the sloth, will be taking over the Nepean Sportsplex this weekend for a massive wildlife exhibit.
Animal rescue shelter Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo — in collaboration with Animal Ambassadors and the Monalea Petting Zoo — is running the event at 1701 Woodroffe Ave., which started Thursday and lasts until Sunday.
Thousands of people are expected to pour into the 21,000-squarefoot room featuring more than 50 animal exhibits, including a green anaconda, a bearded dragon, tortoises and tarantulas.
On Thursday, people crowded around a petting zoo with alpacas, sheep and cattle, and a small kangaroo was seen hopping around and eating grass in a locked enclosure.
The event, called “Diversity of Living Things,” also features two interactive 30-minute presentations focused on responsible pet ownership and backyard conservation.
“What this is supposed to do is bring something like a museum/ science centre/zoo experience,” said Delivis Niedzialek, the event’s organizer.
While some on Thursday watched the presentations, others roamed around looking through glass display cases, cages and enclosures while snapping pictures of the animals.
Several staff members held creatures in their arms for guests to interact with, including an owl that stood on a staff member’s gloved forearm.
But out of all the creatures at the exhibit, one clearly stood out as the main attraction.
“I came to see the sloth,” said Kimberly Kennedy, who learned about the event via Facebook. “It’s not an everyday thing. Those aren’t here in Canada.”
Linus, nestled in a blanket in the arms of a staffer, made his appearance at the end of the presentation, as guests crowded the stage waiting to pose for pictures with the him.
People have a chance to win a VIP meet-and-greet with Linus by sharing on social media Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo’s post about the event. Two entries will be selected to come in Sunday morning to meet Linus exclusively.
The exhibit’s hours run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Doors open for one hour Saturday at 9 a.m. for people with special needs who feel uncomfortable with large crowds and loud noises. Family members are welcome to accompany them.
Admission is $14.50 per person with a $2 discount for sharing Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo’s Facebook post about the event. Guests are advised to take a screenshot of their “share” and show it to staff upon entering to verify their discount.
Families of four pay $56 to get in with an $8 discount for sharing the post. Children two and under enter for free.
Proceeds from the event will help fund Little Ray ’s Reptile Zoo, which is completely funded via donations, Niedzialek said.