The chance to meet a sloth, among other creatures, is coming to Vernon at the end of the month.
Animal lovers can fill their boots at the 2024 Vernon Wildlife Festival, taking place May 31 to June 2 at the Vernon Curling Club.
The Wildlife Festival is returning to Vernon with new animals and some old favourites, with three exhibits on offer.
The first is Living Dragons, which will allow people to explore the mythical world of dragons and learn about their reptilian connections.
An exhibit called Welcome to the Jungle will offer the chance to meet sloths, snakes and other animals that inhabit the world’s jungles.
The third exhibit, Diversity of Living Things, will teach people the similarities and differences of different animals, while giving people the chance to meet wallabies, porcupines, snakes and more.
There will also be two half-hour and hands-on educational programs, the first focusing on jungle reptiles, and the second featuring lessons about sloths, ferrets and other warm-blooded creatures.
There will be a 19-plus adults-only night Friday, May 31 from 7-9 p.m., featuring two shows that mix education, trivia, comedy and experiences. It’s “the ultimate date night or friends’ night out for the animal lover,” according to Tourism Vernon.
There will also be a VIP experience with all of the animals, including a private sloth encounter. No additional experience purchase required. A $185 value, tickets are $150 per person in advance and $175 at the door.
Anyone wanting to meet a sloth will have multiple chances to do so. People can meet a sloth up close and personal, while petting and taking photos in the sloth’s enclosure. Sloth experience tickets are available for May 31 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. (general admission) and 7-9 p.m. (adults only); June 1 from 10-11 a.m. (quiet hour) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (general admission); and June 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The quiet hour on June 1 is ideal for children who have difficulty with crowds or noise. Families are invited to the quiet hour free of charge starting at 10 a.m.
Tickets for the Vernon Wildlife Festival are $16 in advance and $20 at the door. Kids three and under are free. Adults only night is $26 in advance and $30 at the door.
Anyone who is unable to buy tickets due to financial circumstances can email info@wildlifefestival.ca to make special arrangements.
The Wildlife Festival is a production by the non-profit Cobb’s Exotic Animal Rescue based in Calgary. The organization focuses on educational messages about exotic pet ownership, conservation and respect for wildlife.
Tickets can be purchased here.
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