By Medicine Hat News on April 3, 2024.

The Cobb’s Exotic Animal Wildlife Festival is coming to the Exhibition and Stampede Pavilion this weekend and will feature several exotic species.–SUBMITTED PHOTO

Several species of exotic animals will be visiting Medicine Hat this weekend during an annual wildlife festival hosted by Cobb’s Exotic Animal Rescue.

Visitors will be able to interact with animals found around the world, including a wallaroo (commonly known as a mix between a kangaroo and wallaby), boa constrictor, sloth, the world’s largest porcupine and more.

This year the wildlife festival features three new exhibits that highlight the diversity of living things and life on earth as well as taking visitors on journey to the Amazon and Africa.

There will also be an opportunity to have a private encounter with a sloth. The festival will be offering a VIP experience that offers a group guided tour of the animals for $150 per person in advance.

All money raised from the wildlife festival supports the Cobb’s Exotic Animal Rescue, a nonprofit that cares for hundreds of displaced exotic animals their owners could no longer care for.

Cobb’s Adventure Park, located in Calgary, provides unwanted animals rehabilitation, proper nutrition, veterinary care and a forever home.

The nonprofit is currently raising money to building an education centre to provide more information to the public on what it means to take care of exotic animals.

The wildlife festival runs this weekend at the Exhibition & Stampede pavilion, kicking off from 1-6:30 p.m. on Friday for general admission, and 7-9 p.m. for adults-only night, which will provide alcohol service.

The show then runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Day passes are $16 in advance and $20 at the door, with children under three allowed to enter for free.