The Wildlife Festival comes to Chilliwack Heritage Park (44140 Luckakuck Way) on November 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chilliwack is the first stop on the Fall festival tour, which brings incredible species of birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates across the province.
Paul Raymond Goulet, director of Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, says that these animals are representative of species found around the world.
Children and adults of all ages will enjoy the fun and educational presentations by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and Little Ray's Reptile Zoo that take place several times throughout the day.
Come face to face with 20 live animal exhibits, interact with certain animals, and learn about these incredible species, and how to protect them, from the knowledgeable handlers.
"When it comes to conservation, we encourage people to think globally but act locally," Goulet explained. People may be hard-pressed to name a species that is endangered right here in B.C., but that is just one of the exciting things that they'll learn at the Wildlife Festival.
Some of the animals you'll see and learn about include eagles, owls, a falcon, ferrets, scorpions, pythons, tortoises, and many more.
You'll even get to meet the fastest member of the animal kingdom and see Canada's heaviest and longest reptiles.
Goulet explains that the majority of the animals that Little Ray's Reptile Zoo rescue are seized or unwanted pets. They work with provincial authorities like the SPCA and zoos around the world to help with the placement of the animals and to advocate for responsible animal ownership.
General admission is $12.50 per person. Children under age two are free. Family rates and discounted tickets are available. Check out their Facebook page or wildlifefestival.ca for more details.