Photos: Nashville Exotic Pet Expo showcases interesting fauna at Tennessee State Fairgrounds

Photos by Victoria Leuang / MTSU Sidelines

Story by Altima Sisavad / Contributing Writer

Over the weekend, the Middle Tennessee Exotic Pet Club presented the Nashville Exotic Expo at the Nashville Fairgrounds, which hosted animals galore and so much more.

The animals ranged from mini pigs to Marmoset Monkeys to Albino Burmese Pythons, but many different kinds of birds and rodents were also present. The event hosted well over hundreds of animals, animal lovers, breeders and vendors: Frazier Farms, Furry Friends Farm, AlphaPrides Bengals, Reptile Collective, Reptile Guy, BG’s Babies, Rodent Country and more. 

One of the most unique vendors was one that listed an alpaca for sale, but other animals were also available as potential pets. Visitors could also purchase tools to care for these animals, including cages, food, toys and more.

“We had so much fun looking at all the different kinds of animals,” said animal-lover Summer Wayne.

But she wasn’t the only guest who enjoyed the event. In fact, exotic pet owner and breeder Linsey Hambree brought her two foxes, Mordecai and Ariel, which made for a fun time.

“They are very unique pets to own and need a lot of attention,” Hambree said. “These are pets only for certain kinds of people.”

Throughout the day, there were also scheduled educational shows to help  teach visitors how to care for these exotic animals.

Member of Middle Tennessee Exotic Pet Club Deborah Dorsey listens in on these educational shows.

“We have a responsibility to make sure that pet owners know what to expect when they get an exotic pet,”  Dorsey said. “These shows help the safety of both pets and pet owners.”

The expo’s mission was to educate and fascinate visitors with the exotic animals, and they did just that. 

See a full gallery below.

To contact Lifestyles Editor Tayhlor Stephenson, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.

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