10 year old Cyrah from Mission checks out a boa.
It all started when The Reptile Guy (Mike Hopcraft) received a green anole for his birthday when he was in grade 5. The collection was slow to start but once he graduated and lived on his own, Mike shared his home with dozens of rescued, surrendered and a few purchased reptiles. He had originally planned to breed and sell reptiles and eventually open up a pet store with a friend but that changed after he realized that there was more of a need for a rescue and education center than another breeder.
This weekend as temperatures soared The News decided to drop in at the home of Abbotsford's 'Reptile Guy'. Here ten year old Cyrah Wilson of Mission, showed bravery as she held a 12ft boa. Despite her broken arm she got from a fall from a quad, she managed to have a smile with this lengthy reptile. Aimee Fauteux at the Reptile Guy presented a range of reptiles including; snakes, turtles, bearded dragons, lizards, in addition to spiders and scorpions to a host of visitors over the Canada Day weekend.
The Reptile Guy is all about education. Mike provides a fun and interactive way for people of all ages to learn about the proper care of exotic animals and the threats that they face in both captive and wild environments.
For more information visit the Reptile Guy. More photos at The News Facebook page.