Calgary Hosts Dual Pet Events: Reptile Expo and Cat Show This Weekend
Pet enthusiasts of all kinds will find plenty to enjoy in Calgary this weekend, with two major events running simultaneously on Saturday and Sunday. The Western Canadian Reptile Expo returns to the Acadia Recreation Centre, while the Calgary Cat Show offers feline-focused activities, creating a vibrant weekend for animal lovers across the city.
Reptile Expo Draws Thousands with Interactive Experiences
The Western Canadian Reptile Expo, taking place April 18-19, is expected to attract crowds of up to 10,000 people according to event promoter Greg West. The expo features interactive experiences with exotic animals, knowledgeable breeders, and various vendors specializing in reptile care and products.
"These are great experiences for anybody who's never seen or interacted with reptiles," West emphasized. "We've got an interactive aspect of the show. It's very educational."
Many booths are operated by trusted breeders, exotic animal rescues, and sanctuaries, all eager to share their expertise with attendees. West noted that education forms a crucial part of the event's mission: "It's nice to be able to educate people about proper care, how these animals are a little more misunderstood and can make amazing pets. A big part of growing our hobby is dispelling all those myths."
Exotic Animals Take Center Stage
Among the event's highlights are the exotic animals that visitors can interact with directly, including:
- Sloths
- Kangaroos
- Porcupines
- Burmese pythons
"We've got restricted species here with people who have proper permits, so you can see some of the things that you might not see, other than maybe in zoos," West explained.
McKenzi Watson, co-owner of Manitoba-based sanctuary Prairie Exotics, was stationed at a booth featuring various surrendered reptiles, including an 18-year-old Burmese python named Popcorn. Watson noted that most animals end up in their care due to owners moving to areas with different exotic pet restrictions or failing to understand the commitment required.
"I'd say 98 percent of what we do is education," Watson stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding an animal's expected size, lifespan, behavior, and care needs before adoption. "They're not just toys. Your average person shouldn't own an alligator or even a Burmese python. Sometimes a bearded dragon is even a good fit for some people, versus maybe something like a corn snake or ball python."
First-Time Visitors Discover Reptile World
Nicole Hiscock and her sons Nathan and Marcus visited the expo for the first time on Saturday, guided by Hiscock's brother Mitchell Whyte, a former reptile breeder and vendor at expos in Toronto.
"I'm just looking forward to seeing what they have here, and seeing all the different types of reptiles and insects," Hiscock said.
Whyte explained that his goal was to expose the boys to the world of reptiles and help dispel common misconceptions about these animals.
Calgary Cat Show Offers Feline Focus
Running concurrently with the reptile expo, the Calgary Cat Show provides cat enthusiasts with their own weekend destination. While details about specific activities weren't provided in the original article, the event traditionally features:
- Cat competitions and judging
- Breeder exhibits and information
- Feline health and care resources
- Vendor booths with cat-related products
Together, these two events create a comprehensive weekend experience for Calgary's pet community, offering something for reptile enthusiasts, cat lovers, and curious newcomers alike.
