Snakes, birds & monkeys draw crowds at Exotic Pet Expo

JACKSON, Tenn. —  Thousands gathered for a weekend of fun at the Exotic Pet Expo at Fairground Park.

Whether you’re a fan of exotic birds or take interest in animals on the furry side, there’s something for everyone.

“Reptiles here, birds, snakes, monkeys — we’ve got just about everything you can think of,” event promoter Tommy Bickerstaff said. “I’ve got a little lamb running around, goats, and have some pigs.”

Some first-time attendees have already added some lucky pets to their family. Natalie Cabiness said she’s excited to take home a couple parakeets.

“They are gorgeous. I mean, they’re out of this world,” Cabiness said. “I have two that are named Romeo and Juliet, and they’re both blue.”

After walking through the crowd, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News noticed many people fascinated by a newborn vervet monkey.

“After seeing it, my wife, Marissa, told me that I had to get her one,” Keenan Powell said.

Some said being up close and personal with the pets was the best part.

“You can go out and have fun, and you get to hold animals that you’ve never held before like I did. I got to hold snakes. I got to pet birds,” Cabiness said.

Although organizers said the expo is expanding each year, one small child wanted the animals to be available for his own events.

“I’m really happy about this place, so they should do it on my cousin’s birthday so it can make them happy,” attendee John Bowman said.

If you missed out on the fun this time, don’t worry. You’ll have another chance. Organizers said the expo happens three times a year, and the next show will be in August.