Meet a sloth and other animals at the Vernon Wildlife Festival

The chance to encounter a sloth, among other creatures, comes 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 returns to Vernon with some new animals and some old favorites, 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 about the similarities and differences between different animals, while giving them the chance to meet wallabies, porcupines, snakes and more.

There will also be two half-hour, hands-on educational programs, the first focusing on jungle reptiles and the second offering lessons on sloths, ferrets and other warm-blooded creatures.

There will be an evening reserved for adults over 19 on Friday, May 31, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with two shows combining education, anecdotes, comedy and experiences. It’s “the ultimate date night or night out with friends for animal lovers,” according to Tourism Vernon.

There will also be a VIP experience with all the animals, including a private meet and greet with the sloths. No additional experience purchases required. Valued at $185, tickets cost $150 per person in advance and $175 at the door.

Anyone who wants to meet a sloth will have several chances to do so. People can meet a sloth up close and personal, while petting it and taking photos in its enclosure. Tickets for the Sloth Experience are available for May 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (general admission) and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (adults only); June 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (quiet hour) and from 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 free of charge during quiet time from 10 a.m.

Tickets for the Vernon Wildlife Festival are $16 in advance and $20 at the door. Children aged three and under are free. Adults-only night costs $26 in advance and $30 at the door.

Anyone who is unable to purchase tickets due to their financial situation can email [email protected] to make special arrangements.

The Wildlife Festival is a production of Calgary-based non-profit Cobb’s Exotic Animal Rescue. The organization focuses on educational messages about exotic pet ownership, conservation and respecting wildlife.

Tickets can be purchased here.

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