A Day at Innisfail Wildlife Discovery Park

A Day at Innisfail Wildlife Discovery Park

Last year, in May 2024, Kass, made a special trip to the Innisfail Wildlife Discovery Park, located just 15 minutes south of Red Deer on Highway 2 in Alberta, Canada. The park, a sanctuary for orphaned and displaced animals, was bustling with visitors eager to learn about local and exotic wildlife. Kass, a passionate wildlife enthusiast, arrived on a sunny morning, camera in hand, ready to document his experience for his growing YouTube audience.

As Kass explored the park, he came across a small enclosure with a cardboard base, some hay, and a pile of fresh veggies. There, munching on a piece of lettuce, was a charming turtle with a beautifully patterned shell. The park’s keeper, noticing Kass’s interest, introduced him to “Shelly,” a Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), a species typically found in Mediterranean regions but a beloved resident at the park due to its manageable size and friendly demeanour.

Kass watched as Shelly slowly navigated her enclosure, occasionally stopping to nibble on a carrot slice or a piece of bell pepper. The keeper explained that Shelly’s diet was carefully curated to mimic what she’d eat in the wild—mostly leafy greens, some veggies, and the occasional fruit as a treat. Kass captured this moment on video for his KassDays channel, noting how Shelly’s careful, deliberate movements were a reminder of the slow, steady pace of nature. He shared with his subscribers how the Innisfail Wildlife Discovery Park was dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of preserving habitats for species like Shelly, whose natural environments are increasingly threatened by urbanization and climate change.

Educational Insights About Hermann’s Tortoises
The turtle in the image is a Hermann’s tortoise, identifiable by its distinct shell pattern with dark and light patches. Here are some key facts to educate people about this species:

1. Habitat and Range: Hermann’s tortoises are native to southern Europe, particularly in Mediterranean regions like Italy, Greece, and parts of the Balkans. They thrive in dry, grassy areas with plenty of sunlight, such as scrublands and meadows.
2. Diet: As seen in the image, Hermann’s tortoises are primarily herbivorous. They eat a variety of leafy greens (like lettuce and dandelion leaves), vegetables (such as carrots and bell peppers), and some flowers. In captivity, their diet should be high in fiber and calcium to support shell and bone health, while avoiding sugary fruits in excess.
3. Lifespan and Size: These tortoises can live for 50–100 years with proper care! They typically grow to about 5–8 inches in length, making them a smaller species compared to giants like the Galápagos tortoise.
4. Behavior: Hermann’s tortoises are diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day. They love basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature, which is why a warm, sunny spot in their enclosure is crucial. They’re also known for their slow, deliberate movements and can dig burrows to escape extreme heat or cold.
5. Conservation Concerns: While Hermann’s tortoises are popular in the pet trade, wild populations are declining due to habitat loss, overcollection, and competition with invasive species. They’re listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN, and conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and regulating the pet trade.
6. Care Tips: If someone is inspired by Shelly to care for a Hermann’s tortoise, they should provide a spacious enclosure with a warm basking area (around 85–95°F), a cooler area (around 70–75°F), and a substrate like hay or soil for digging. UVB lighting is essential for calcium absorption, and they need a shallow water dish for soaking.

Kass encourages his viewers to support conservation efforts and consider the impact of their actions on wildlife habitats—whether it’s a tortoise in the Mediterranean or a local species in Alberta. His visit to the Innisfail Wildlife Discovery Park was a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and learning about the creatures we share the planet with.