Little Ray’s bringing their show drive-in style to Wesley Clover Parks

(Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo are bringing their show to the Wesley Clover Parks on July 11, 2020 for a drive-in style fundraiser to assist in maintaining the health of the reptiles due to losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos: Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo)

With an income loss of 94% due to COVID restrictions and entering into their 11th hour, Little Ray’s Nature Centre has announced a new round of fundraising efforts by teaming up with Wesley Clover Parks, Videotron and DNA Live to offer a series of physically distanced shows in the new drive-in movie theatre.

“Countless businesses have been affected but one thing unique to us is that we have 27,000 sq ft of indoor space with over 800 animals needing care. We simply can not shut off the lights and come back in 3 months,” said Paul Goulet – Founder and CEO of Little Ray’s Nature Centres.

All proceeds from the fundraiser shows will be used to cover animal food costs, staffing costs, vet care, heating and cooling, along with many other brick and mortar expenses. While Little Ray’s is grateful for every cent donated by supporters, more is needed to keep the lights on long term. As COVID restrictions are lifted, the centre is allowed to receive small groups of guests but visits themselves generally account for less than 5% of the centre’s annual income.

This physically distanced event will allow families to engage in a live show from the safety of their cars. It all takes place on Saturday, July 11 with daily 45-minute shows at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. with the gates opening one hour prior to each show. The cost – $40 per car and for the VIP rate of $65 you will receive a prime parking spot and the animals will be escorted between the rows for a real close-up look and special experience.

“Businesses and people in Ottawa and all over stepping up to help us during this time has been nothing short of unbelievable.” Goulet expressed. “For over 25 years we have provided community programming and we never really knew how much it reached the community until our greatest need for help hit. Thank you.”

About Little Ray’s Nature Centre — Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo is Canada’s largest exotic animal rescue and has the most diverse animal education and outreach programs in Canada. A proud member of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) since 2013, Little Ray’s is committed to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums as humane agencies of animal welfare, conservation, science and education.

You can purchase your tickets at: thedriveinottawa.ca/littlerays.