Nanaimo girl creates playground and stadium for pet snails
When Olivia started searching for snails at the start of the pandemic, her mom Sarah wasn’t surprised.
“She just loves collecting insects,” Sarah says. “She’s always been our bug girl!”
But there was something different about the snails, which inspired Olivia to bring them home and name them.
“Steve,” Olivia starts listing their names. “Steve Number Two. Steve Number Three…”
While their names may seem mundane, the world Olivia built for them is anything but.
“I like making them happy,” Olivia says.
Which is why she created a pandemic playground for the snails out of popsicle sticks. Set in a large container, and surrounded by grass, leaves, and snackable flowers, it includes a slide and swing for the slugs to play on.
“The routine of getting to care for them every day was something I think helped us through Covid,” Sarah says.
Olivia’s dad Colin says the snails were the highlight of his Father’s Day celebrations.
“They decided to design some snail Olympics,” Colin smiles, before showing me pictures of a homemade arena. It’s decorated with flags, and surrounded by spinach to motivate the "athletes" to race towards the finish line. There’s even a podium for the top three winners.
“It was great!” Colin smiles.
Thanks to their official fast-motion replay video, it was clear the snail Colin was betting on won.
The hard-shelled hustler even got hardware to take home.
“We made a golden cup that we just filled with [the snail's] favourite food!” Olivia smiles.
When I ask which snail dominated, Sarah answers: “Steve won!” When I ask which specific Steve won, she shakes her head and laughs. “They’re all Steve’s!”
But perhaps the best prize of all was Olivia’s post-competition cuddles.
“I usually put them on my hand,” Olivia says, patting a snail’s shell. “So they know it’s safe.”
They seem to have felt so safe that a pair of Steves started a family of their own. Being with the babies couldn’t have been better for Olivia.
“She’s just a really gentle spirit and heart,” Sarah says, showing me pictures of Olivia holding the baby snails on her fingertips. “She likes to take care of things.”
Colin says that watching his daughter be so creative and responsible with the snails has been inspiring.
“It’s being able to find joy in the little things.” It's a sentiment they celebrate by playing the snails' favourite songs.
“Basically songs by Queen,” Olivia laughs, adding the snails wiggle their heads more when Freddie Mercury sings.
“They’re big fans of Queen,” Colin confirms with a smile.
“It’s probably the vibrations of the music,” Sarah smiles, before laughing. “And we play Queen so often they’re not given a choice!”
But if you watch the snails respond to Queen in the official fast-motion replay video, it seems as though the "Radio Ga-Ga” song really makes these Steve’s go-go on the dance floor.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.