From capybaras to otters, State Fair features live animals in new ‘Wild Things’ exhibit

Live capybaras, reindeer, and sea otters are meeting visitors for the first time at the California State Fair in the new “Wild Things” exhibit.

Intended to educate the public about wildlife, the exhibit is sponsored by the Conservation Ambassadors, a rescue organization with sanctuaries in Placer County and Central California for wild and exotic animals. It includes three daily educational presentations about animals in the exhibit’s Adventure Theater. Other animals in the exhibit include kangaroos, porcupines, parrots and various large reptiles.

Christian Maki assisted with a live animal presentation Tuesday afternoon, attended by dozens of audience members. He said a key part of the organization’s goal with the shows is to raise awareness about the illegal pet trade, exemplified in how he brought in a dog to showcase alongside the rare animals as an example of an appropriate pet.

“Our main job is to create a connection between the animals and the people so they realize how amazing they are,” Maki said. “A lot of our animals come in through the illegal pet trade, which is why we did the show with our dog ... So really just trying to have a connection to the animals so people get involved and they make a difference — that’s our end goal there.”

Much of the excitement over the exhibit stems from getting to see rare animals that people don’t normally see in daily life, said Samantha Burleson, a Sacramento resident and fair attendee.

“The capybara, the otters ... it’s really cool and up close,” Burleson said.