Cuddle a joey or hang with a sloth: Wildlife Festival on this weekend at the Agriplex

The mission of the festival is education with a focus on conservation and responsible pet ownership as all of the animals in their care are legal to own in Alberta and somewhere in the country.

“They might seem cute and cuddly or a really interesting pet, but what the downfalls to having them as a domestic animal can be and how sometimes they’re better off enjoyed in that responsible captive environment,” Oviatt said.

Wallabies, kangaroos and sloths are also part of the exhibit and have to be driven into North Battleford on the day of the show because they don’t travel well. One of the areas they focus on care and upkeep of each animal’s needs.

Quillo, an albino Crested Porcupine, visits with Handler Adam Side. She along with a number of other species both warm blooded and cold are now on display at the Agriplex. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW staff)

“Wallabies for an example, they require a lot of outdoor space to be able to properly exercise, they have a very specific diet,” he said.

“They have very sensitive digestive tracts so they are prone to stomach issues and with that comes – they cannot be litter-trained.”

Another situation owners often find themselves in is the fact that it’s difficult to find vet care for exotic pets.

“We’re lucky enough to have a vet in Airdrie, right outside of Calgary that has done the research, knows her stuff, has worked with zoos,” Oviatt said.

According to the Wildlife Festival website was originally produced by Little Ray’s Nature Centre along with the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and is shown in western Canada where they are now expanding their footprint.

“I think it’s been a very uplifting experience, especially when we do hit those communities that don’t the access to events like this,” Oviatt said.

“Just seeing the joy in people’s lives as they’re able to come and interact with some of these animals and especially the children,” he added, noting not all would have the opportunity to see these types of creatures.

“Just seeing that kind of brightness in them of seeing things that they’ve never before seen in their lives aside from maybe on TV, it’s a really uplifting and positive experience for myself as well as the whole team.”

The animals that are with the festival are not wild. Oviatt explained they were either surrendered, seized by police or bred in captivity. While the festival isn’t accredited by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), though they follow the guidelines for animal husbandry, the enclosures and diets.

“All of these animals are treated the same way as basically animals in (zoonotically) conservation programs,” Oviatt said.

The event will feature different exhibits that will be set up including the “Diversity of Living Things,” “Living Dragons,” and the “Boreal Jungle.” There will also be a rotating stage show with presenters to speak on the variety of animals in the centre.

The event runs today (Fri., Jan.12) to Sun., Jan. 14 and Saturday morning will feature a feature a “Quiet Hour” from 10 to 11 a.m., for families or individuals with special needs or neurodivergences to experience the event without the crowds.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: jls194864

by Julia Lovett-Squires

Cuddle a joey or hang with a sloth: Wildlife Festival on this weekend at the Agriplex

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