Travelling zoo offers critter encounters of the scaly kind
They’ll be coming to Windsor dressed in scales, fur, and feathers — and on their best behaviour. So won’t you meet them?
The “animal ambassadors” of Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo will be visiting our city for three days, and the public is invited to get close and personal.
From Friday to Sunday, the family-oriented travelling zoo exhibition will be set up in the conference rooms of the Holiday Inn on Huron Church Road, offering live animal encounters, daily programs and 5,000 square feet of displays.
The list of participating critters includes a tortoise, tarantula, carpet python, bobcat, skunk, Harris hawk, red kangaroo, barn owl, bobcat, monitor lizard, and even an alligator that’s safe to touch.
The exhibition’s interactive stage shows will be rotating 15 minutes apart each day, with trained staff introducing the animal ambassadors to the crowd.
Privately owned by Paul Raymond Goulet and his wife Sheri, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo is said to be the largest reptile rescue organization in Canada, providing sanctuary for hundreds of animals.
According to the organization, 80 per cent of the creatures in its care are unwanted or seized pets.
“We do not take animals from the wild to utilize in these programs,” Goulet assures.
Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo says all animals eligible for release are released.
But some of the organization’s animals were born in captivity at its facility or other facilities, and are more appropriate for educational efforts on responsible ownership and conservation.
The exhibition takes place at the Holiday Inn Ambassador Bridge (1855 Huron Church Rd.). Event hours are Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $12.50 per person. Toddlers ages two and under get in free. Family rate is $48 for four.
Families with special needs children or financial difficulties are asked to contact scarysheri@raysreptiles.com.