SPRINGFIELD — With a face only a mother could love, Olaf the gecko still got a lot of attention on Sunday.
The scaley, green creature, from Mythical Exotics, was among the reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals at the Show Me Reptiles Show at the MassMutual Center.
The family-friendly event allowed visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic creatures, as well as shop for pet supplies, food and other related products from vendors.
A plastic box containing Russian turtles got an emotional reaction from Mirranda Longo, of Granby. “I had one, so I always have a soft spot for them,” she said. “He was 23 years old.”
Demonstrations and presentations provided an education on reptile care, behavior, and conservation.
Matt Peterson, of Camo Constrictors, showed off his mischief of rats, for which he says there is a big demand. “We produce 1,500 to 2,000 rats a week,”he said.
“These guys are hard to keep,” he added, pointing to his Extreme Double Rex variety, which some people refer to as “hairless” rats.
The show also featured interactive exhibits that showcased a wide range of reptiles, including snakes, lizards and turtles. Reptile enthusiasts got opportunities to speak with experts and gain insights into the care and habitat needs of exotic pets.
