Sarah Boyd grew up with pythons as pets, finding them cute and easy to care for despite common fears of snakes. She and her son, Jack, joined hundreds of attendees at the Manitoba Reptile Breeders’ Expo in West St. Paul. The expo, held at the Access Centre, showcased a variety of reptiles and exotic animals for sale, drawing enthusiasts from across the country.
At the event, Curtis Fraser of Fraser Reptiles in Ste. Genevieve highlighted the misconceptions surrounding reptiles and the importance of understanding their behavior. Fraser, passionate about these animals for over a decade, emphasized the joy they bring as pets and the value of educating people about them.
Dan Yurkiw, a reptile enthusiast, purchased a red-eyed crocodile skink at the expo, expressing excitement about adding it to his collection. He praised the presence of youth at the event, noting their enthusiasm for reptiles and exotic creatures. Yurkiw’s fascination with creatures that instill fear in others drives his interest in unique and captivating animals.
The Manitoba Reptile Breeders’ Expo continues to attract visitors at the Access Centre, offering a diverse experience for animal lovers. The event runs on Saturday and Sunday, providing an opportunity to explore and appreciate a wide range of reptiles and exotic species.