Reptile zoo teaches lesson about endangered species
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/07/2013 (4612 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
While many know about endangered animals on the other side of the world, few know about the endangered animals here in Manitoba, according to a Winnipeg-raised zookeeper.
“Backyard conservation” was the aim a presentation by Kevin Dungey of Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo at the UTC Pavilion in the Keystone Centre.
“If you ask kids or anybody, they know about pandas and gorillas and tigers on the other side of the world,” said Dungey, who goes by the name “Caiman Kevin” on stage.
The Ottawa zoo made a trip to the Wheat City on Saturday to display some of the most venomous reptiles while hosting presentations throughout the day.
Hundreds showed up for the event, which was scheduled last minute last week.
“There are over 500 species at risk in Canada. Ask a crowd like this to name two animals at risk of extinction here in Manitoba. Nobody can,” Dungey said.
There were a few showstoppers, like a 27-foot albino Burmese python, which laid on the stage during Dungey’s 40-minute presentations, with kids itching to get a closer look.
Dungey and his crew also brought with them a baby alligator to show off and a South American red-footed tortoise roamed slowly around the room getting his fair share of attention as swarms of kids surrounded him for photos.
“We’re all about hands-on,” Dungey said.
The temporary zoo-quality exhibits had some of the most venomous creatures in the world — one viper has enough venom to kill a full-size elephant, Dungey said.
Hundreds of kids peered into the wall of terrariums, getting a glimpse into the homes of cobras, rattlesnakes, vipers, scorpions, and one of the most venomous tarantulas in the world.
“It’s all kind of dangerous stuff,” Dungey said.
» gbruce@brandonsun.com