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 .