Visitors check out unusual pets at Fargo Exotic Pet Expo

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – It’s a common question, are you a cat person or a dog person? Well for some people the answer might be snakes, or lizards, or birds.

“Bird people are very unique. It’s a lot of work. It’s not easy work.”

The crowds flocked to the Fargo Exotic Pet Expo at the Red River Fairgrounds, where vendors showed off their unique animals.

“We have a lot of people who have come back 3 and 4 times to but especially Bengals. They know how they’re cared for, they know how they’re raised.”

J2Z Ranch out of Eden Prairie raises a lot of unique animals. They brought their Bengal cats with them to the expo.

“Another difference is from your regular cat is they’re real chatty. They’re more energetic, so they like to play more, jump more.”

Also at the expo was the Center for Avian Adoption Rescue and Education, showing off some of their birds, and helping people learn what goes into caring for them.

“These guys do live, some of them, upwards of 80 to 100 years on a good diet. A lot of them it’s more right around that 80 year mark. So it’s just being able to know that you’re getting into something that’s that intense.”

They say that while these birds may not be for everyone, it can be truly rewarding to connect with them.

“Their love is unconditional. We can do wrong and they will forgive us. They are our baby basically. They’re like having children for the rest of your life essentially because of how long they live. Harley rewards me with cuddles. Some birds cuddle, some don’t, but she likes to hang out with me.”

You can find more information on the birds at CAARE on their website.