Pair Brings Reptiles Out Of Shell At Exhibit 
The Phoenix Star- Photo by Richard Marjan - Article by Shannon Boklaschuk

James Barbas shows off Mortimer, an African Spurred Tortoise, as Ariel Yurach looks on.

Dean Harper shows off Thing, a Burmese Python.

        To some they seem creepy, slimy or down right scary, but showcasing the world's reptilian creatures is both a passion and a career for two Albertans.

        Dean Harper and James Barbas, the Olds, Alberta residents behind Wrappin About Reptiles, makes a living traveling to schools, malls, fairs and festivals throughout Western Canada- always bringing with them a wide variety of snakes, turtles, toads and lizards.

        "As well, we wrangle reptiles for the TV and Movie Industry," Harper said during an interview.  "It sounds difficult, but actually it's quite easy.  You want the snake to go from Point A to Point B.  We just point his head in that direction; usually he'll go."  "It may take six or seven takes, but we get it done," said Harper,  who has worked on movies including The Jackie Chan hit "Shanghai Noon". 

        This week, the pair can be found at the Saskatoon Exhibition, complete with Thing, a 4  meter, 70 pound Burmese Python who hatched in Deans hand 7 years ago.

        Another crowd-pleaser is Mortimer, an 85-pound, 33 year old African Tortoise, who could live to be 250 years old.

        We do bring select animals out for people to touch.

        "Really, the whole point is just to give the people the opportunity to experience these animals.  They are the most misunderstood and most feared creatures in the world," said Harper. 

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