Pets on parade
Deirdre Newman
If you have a penchant for parrots, an interest in iguanas or a
fixation on felines, you might want to check out the Pet Expo at the
Orange County Fairgrounds this weekend.
The expo returns to Costa Mesa and Orange County after a few decades
in Riverside County.
The expo showcases myriad animals and attractions, including a Science
Safari Bug Show, American racing pigeons and Valentine’s Performing Pigs.
The purpose of the three-day extravaganza is to promote responsible
pet ownership, said Corrine Hanley, the event’s spokeswoman.
“It helps people choose the pet that’s right for their lifestyle,”
Hanley said.
On Friday, more than 2,000 students and a large number of families
descended on the fairgrounds to see the various exhibits.
Roger Gilbert and his wife, Nikki, brought their two children from
Loma Linda.
As soon as they entered the Reptile Building, Roger was entranced by a
tank of sea jellies floating in circles.
“What about that for my office?” he asked Nikki. “I thought it would
be a good conversation piece for people waiting to get their fillings
done.”
On the other side of the building, a large crowd had gathered to see
pigs performing. After the show, the kids got to pet and feed the pigs.
No pet show would be complete without snakes. Shelley Chase of the
Southwestern Herpetologists Society draped a red-tailed boa constrictor
around her neck and proceeded to explain to passersby about what kind of
reptiles make good pets.
“Iguanas do not make good pets,” Chase said. “Leopard geckos or
bearded dragons make excellent pets.”
Britney Baker, 6, said she probably would not be getting a snake as a
pet any time soon, although she did muster up the courage to pet Chase’s
snake.
The expo also includes local veterinarians who are informing people
about how to protect their pets from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Not everyone who came to the expo was thrilled to see the pets,
however. A handful of protesters complained about the show’s use of
elephant rides.
“We oppose the use of elephants in entertainment because they’re a
public safety threat and they’re inhumane,” said Priscilla Gargalis, as
she held a placard reading “Say no to animal acts.”
FYI
The Pet Expo will continue from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Fair Drive and
Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.
* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)
574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .
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