Wild Kingdom
Come see all manner of creatures big and small. From fuzzy foxes to slithering snakes, learn about their habitats and habits. Many fine furry & sensationally scaly friends will be on hand to amaze and astound you!
Keep your eyes out you may just bump into a Hollywood hero or starlet! This ain't your ordinary petting zoo! You may have the opportunity to snap a classic "mug shot" with a few of our critters! Memories you'll treasure for a lifetime! Free with admission!
Exotic Critter Tales
Kangaroos, Camels and Yaks! Oh My!! Exotic Critter Tales is a very BIG step away from the old Petting Zoo! Exotic Critter Tales is proudly spreading a new knowledge about some of the worlds unique and wonderful animals. We try to inform people about the natural habits, habitats and what they can be used for in captivity. We hope to give people an insight into the risk that some of these animals are facing due to the ever growing population. And you better be prepared for a little paparazzi! You've seen some of these critters before in feature film and television! Free with admission!
The Reptile Man
Join Paul Kennedy a.k.a. "The Reptile Man" and his team of handlers for a fact-filled presentation sprinkled with personal anecdotes and close encounters with some fanged, scaly and hairy friends. Listen to The Reptile Man tell tales of animal survival, cunning and skill in our lush Hamilton rainforest... get ready to get wild.
If you recognize The Reptile Man and his many scaly cohorts it may have been from the small and big screen... now we're not much for name dropping but The Reptile Store has been part of various shows and programs, including J.R. Digs, CH morning live, SPCA pet radio, the feature film "3 Days", National Geographic video: "Fear of Snakes", Readers Digest (for Steve's snake bite), and more. He also makes his talented cast of reptilian and snaky characters available for the TV series "Strange Days at Blake Holsey High" and "The Red Green Show". Now that's talent! Free with admission!
Fun Fact: The word “amphibian” means “two lives,” referring to the change that many frogs and salamanders undergo from tadpole to adult form.
Sciensational Sssnakes
Join Jeff Hathaway and Jenny Pearce from Sciensational Sssnakes as they present the most complete collection of reptile and amphibian species in the province. Learn about these animals and their ecology, as well as the challenges faced to ensure their survival. The show features an informal lecture about the animals, as well as a session in which participants are able to interact, touch and hold the animals. Many of them are native Ontario species, some of which are now endangered in the wild, and rarely seen. Sciensational Snakes are authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources to maintain these animals in captivity. Free with admission!
Myth: Puff adders (hognose snakes) mix poison with their breath and can kill a person at a distance of twenty-five feet.
Reality: Although the bite of a hognose snake can produce swelling and a burning sensation, these snakes rarely bite people and are not considered venomous. When confronted, they do puff themselves up and hiss, but their breath is harmless.
Muskoka Mammals Interactive Animal Encounters
The Muskoka Wildlife Centre presents “Speaking of Wildlife” – Canada's largest live-animal outreach presentation featuring close encounters with some of Ontario's most magnificent wild creatures designed to give audience members a better appreciation for the treasures of the animal kingdom. Join Dale and Jody Gienow and learn about adaptations, social structure, habits and environmental threats affecting each of these wild creatures. Visit the static wildlife displays, featuring live animals and hands-on natural history artifacts. Members of the Muskoka Wildlife Centre's Education Team are certified by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Forestry Association. Free with admission!
Fun Fact: Which mammal is known to kick sand in the face of predators to escape? It's a rather unique squirrel defense mechanism particularly when confronted by a curious or downright annoying snake.
