Northern Ontario is home to many wild animals and if you've lived in Sudbury for an extended period of time, chances are good you've seen your share of bears, moose, and deer.
What many Sudburians may not know however, is that the Donovan is home to some unique and exotic animals that are native to jungles and rain forests as opposed to the chilly Northern Ontario climate zone.
Northern Exotics, located at 517 Kathleen Street is the home to more than 100 species from stickbugs to poison dart frogs to wildcats, monkeys, crocodiles and more.
The 4,000 square foot indoor zoo offers Sudburians the opportunity to check out some truly unique animals without having to travel outside of the Nickel City. Northern Exotics is much more than just a place to see some cool creatures, as owners Dennis and Cambie Epp have put a strong focus on educating visitors on the animals that call the zoo home.
"Our main focus is to properly educate people on these animals and in some cases steer them away from having them as pets," said Dennis Epp. "The majority of the animals in the zoo are rescues or have been brought in by people who had them as pets. Our intention with this centre is to educate people on what these animals need to be taken care of properly."
Epp explains that many of the animals at Northern Exotics do in fact make excellent pets and are quite easy to care for. Bearded dragons and certain snakes, for example, are easier to maintain and keep as pets than cats or dogs.
"We want people to gain an understanding that having a pet means making a commitment to the lifetime of an animal that includes quality care," said Epp.
While Northern Exotics' owners are always happy when animals from their pet store find a forever home, Dennis says that they take all measures to ensure that potential pet owners are properly educated before adding a new member to their family.
"We'd sooner have someone walk away without adopting an animal if they don't think they're ready to care for it," said Epp. "If they find they can't care for their new pet, we are happy to take it.”
The facility also serves as a pet store that supplies food and more for pet owners to provide top level care for their animals. By shopping at the Northern Exotics pet store, you are supporting their cause for education and quality care.
The money made at Northern Exotics goes back into the education centre and allows the owners to provide better care and create education programs for the public and for schools.
For more information, call Northern Exotics at 705-470-3332 or email [email protected].