Kids cozy up to animals at expo in Wheaton

The All Animal Expo Sunday at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton gave kids a chance to cozy up to beloved puppies and more exotic pets of which that they may be a little more leery.

Scott Smith, owner-operator the All Animal Expo, said reptiles comprise of 80 percent of the animals, though there are also puppies, kittens, rabbits, chinchillas, pigs and spiders.

The Wheaton expo takes place on the first Saturday and the third Sunday of each month, Smith said.

A reptile display, put on by Windy City Reptiles, was among the more popular exhibits.

Meghan Fernald-Huntley of DeKalb was showing a variety of snakes and lizards to people attending the event.

Fernald-Huntley said group volunteers allow people to hold the reptiles to give them a chance to ease their reptile-related phobias, while educating them about the animals and their needs. She said the organization also takes in reptiles as rescues.