Calgary’s biggest reptile exhibition happened in Calgary last weekend at the Genesis Centre in northeast Calgary in the feature gym. The Calgary Reptile Expo is Canada’s largest non-profit expo which was held by the Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society (TARAS).
Air-breathing vertebrates, reptiles have a unique skin consisting of scale, bony plates, or a mix of both. They include turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, spiders and chameleons. The temperature of their surrounding affects their metabolism. Reptiles’ internal body temperatures are not stable compared to those of birds and mammals — cannot adjust their body according to the weather because they cannot stay warm on cold days without any fur and cannot be cool in summer.
Rather, they shift into the shade, or the sun as needed. Also, they are cold-blooded due to their sluggish metabolic system. Reproduction of reptiles depends on temperature. All reptiles mostly lay eggs in nests and leaves except boas and pythons.
TARAS says that since 1984, 100 per cent of the money goes to the local reptile community to protect and preserve reptiles.
The expo was created for those who are interested in learning about reptiles and amphibian hobbyists. Along with the anticipated target audience, the expo hopes to dispel certain myths about reptiles by inviting those who are unsure and think they might be threatening or frightful.
“Well we had around 9000 people last year and our society is expecting an increase in the number of audiences this year at the expo,” said the vice president of TARAS, Garth Payner.
TARAS is focusing on conversation, education and advocacy of reptiles and amphibians.
“We are raising funds to get $25,000 in scholarships, one for biology and one for the veterinarian. We’re currently working with local education and conservation groups and province-wide education and conservation groups,” said Cody Falls, a current volunteer and past president of TARAS.
The expo had around 60 vendors, including reptile and amphibian experts, plant sellers, artists, balloon animal creators, and face painters.
Vendors arrived with a variety of reptiles to offer for sale and demonstrate to clients how to befriend spooky creatures. A few were selling flowerpots and designed home decorations with deceased reptiles like lizards, frogs, chameleons, and butterflies. Most creepy crawlers were kept in containers, but occasionally two or three were taken out to be felt and handled like spiders, tortoises and pythons.
“Honestly I was scared of reptiles, but I want to visit that unique fundraising event to see how reptiles look creepy or not,” said expo visitor Sumit Jain.
“But it was beyond my expectations I really enjoyed that exhibition of a variety of reptiles in one place and I had a chance to touch and hold a python and spider first time ever in my life.”
Additionally, a few sellers arrived with handcrafted jewellery and home decor to showcase their incredible creations to potential buyers. For people wishing to purchase and properly care for reptiles, the cost was fixed at the event.
“I think the event had a variety of reptiles and home decor and I really want to buy many reptiles and home decorations, but I do not have money right now because I already bought a dragon,” said Piper Billie, a TARAS customer at the exhibition.
With the help of expo attendees, the event raised money to support the local community for a better future by exhibiting a variety of reptiles.
