Kangaroos, Porcupines, and Sloths—Oh My!
We’re kicking off 2021 with a brand new event series: Creature Feature!
We partnered with Lake Tobias Wildlife Park to bring you face-to-face with fascinating species not normally exhibited here at Reptiland. See these animals up-close and learn about them from knowledgeable experts. The animals will be on display in the Exhibit Gallery for all-day viewing, and you’ll be able to ask questions about them as well. Each Creature Feature event will showcase a different animal, so you can choose one or attend all three!
Red Kangaroo | January 30, 2021
Up first, an impressive mammal from across the globe!
The red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) or red giant kangaroo is the largest of all kangaroos! Native to Australia, this species is mostly crepuscular (active during twilight hours) and nocturnal. The red kangaroo ranges throughout western and central Australia, and typically inhabits open habitats with some trees for shade. Red kangaroos primarily eat green vegetation and get enough water from their food to survive in an arid environment. Using their powerful hind legs, these kangaroos can hop around quite rapidly—at times exceeding speeds of 35 miles per hour!
Hop on into the zoo on January 30 to learn more!
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_kangaroo
African crested porcupine | February 20, 2021
The African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is the largest porcupine in the world. It lives in hilly, rocky habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and Italy. Covering its body are coarse quills 1 to 13 inches long of varying thicknesses. These quills provide highly effective protection from predators. Its most heavily armed area is its hindquarters, which have short, thick quills. African crested porcupines eat tubers, bark, bulbs, fallen fruit, and cultivated root crops. They are nocturnal and forage alone at night, traveling up to 9 miles for food! They return to the den and rest during the day. Though they forage alone, they live in small family groups made up of an adult pair and their young, both infants and juveniles. They even create elaborate burrows to house their family group!
See this spiky species up-close on February 20!
source: https://www.oregonzoo.org/discover/animals/african-crested-porcupine
Two-Toed Sloth | March 13, 2021
Two-toed sloths are found in Central and South America. They are named for the two toes on their front feet (even though they have three toes on their back feet). Sloths spend most of their lives hanging upside down in the treetops and seldom move. Because the rainforest is so hot and humid, sloths will begin growing small plants and moss in their hair, giving them a green appearance. This also helps to camouflage them within their surroundings. Because sloths are made for hanging, they cannot walk. If they are found on the ground, they will drag themselves around on their stomachs. However, sloths are said to be extremely good swimmers! Sloths generally only come down from a tree to defecate and will even give birth while hanging upside down. Sloths eat fruit, leaves, and flowers and have the slowest digestive system—it takes them up to 1 month to digest a meal!
Don’t miss this lazy yet lovable animal on March 13!
source: https://www.laketobias.com/animals/two-toed-tree-sloth/
Additional Information
- General admission is included with this event, so before and after you check out the featured creature, be sure to take in all of our exhibits and live shows!
- Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, tickets to this event are limited and MUST be purchased in advance. We have also implemented specific time slots for visits in order to limit the number of people in the zoo at any given time. Instructions on how to book online are listed below.
- Prepurchased tickets are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, tickets can be used at a later date.
- Masks are required to enter the zoo. We also ask that you practice social distancing at all times.
We are doing everything we can to keep people safe while still offering an enjoyable experience. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this difficult time. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Ticket Prices
$16 for ages 12 and up
$14 for ages 3 through 11
FREE for children 2 and under
How to Complete an Online Booking
- Click the Book Now button below.
- Depending on which Creature Feature you would like to attend, choose the appropriate date on the calendar: January 30, February 20, and March 13.
- Choose a timeslot.
- Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
If you have any difficulties, please call 570-538-1869 during regular business hours to complete your booking.
Zoo members: Please call to reserve your tickets in advance.
