Lizard terrariums get global exposure on Animal Planet

The show is Scaled, and the team at Cornel’s World, a custom terrariums and woodworking business in Calgary, will be shown constructing big-scale reptile terrariums. They build terrariums like a giant Mayan temple, a post-apocalyptic nightmare and an Avatar blue dream-world.

“I wasn’t actively looking for a TV show, so it was just coincidence,” says West, the owner of the business. “We’ve been filming since May and today is the final day of shooting season one.”

Eighteen years ago, Cornel’s World was a small business in West’s garage. He began by constructing fun terrariums for his own reptiles but thought he could make some extra cash by building homes for other people’s cold-blooded pets. It’s now a full-time business for West and his 10 employees.

“I would almost compare it to miniature zoo exhibits. We make a nice enclosure for the animal but we’re outfitting the interior, whether it’s themed or naturalistic, with water features, misting systems, heating, lighting, decor, (and) either live plants or fake plants depending on the animal,” said West.

The TV show Scaled will focus on West’s business, showing his team building large-scale, one-of-a-kind terrariums “to suit the animal’s needs, as well as meet the requirements for the customers.”

Significant attention will be given to educating the audience about proper reptile care because each kind of reptile needs specialized care.

“There’s a lot of different reptiles that are showcased in each episode and a part for learning about each animal as well,” said West.

His 12-year-old daughter Emma will play a large role in the educational portion of each episode. As she inquires about different reptiles, the shop’s employees will be explaining things to both her and the audience.

The show is set to premier Friday on the American Animal Planet channel and on Oct. 8 in Canada.

sbabych@postmedia.com