Rosalie Vaillancourt - Giant Snails Les poilus - Radio Canada

Giant African Land Snails Surprise Rosalie Vaillancourt

Some animal encounters are so rare that they instantly become unforgettable. That is exactly what happened when Joanie Asselin introduced giant African land snails to comedian and television host Rosalie Vaillancourt.

A true animal lover, Rosalie is already very familiar with the world of Educazoo. Over the years, she has appeared on several shows alongside Joanie and has even welcomed Educazoo’s animals into her home on multiple occasions. Yet despite all those encounters, she had never had the opportunity to discover the impressive giant African land snails.

And what a discovery it was!

Watch the segment: Click here

 

An Animal So Unique That It Requires a Special Permit

Giant African land snails are among the largest terrestrial snails in the world. Their impressive size immediately captures attention, but what makes them even more unique is their regulatory status. Because this species has significant invasive potential, its ownership is strictly regulated and requires a special permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

These regulations are designed to protect local ecosystems and prevent the introduction of species that could negatively impact the environment. At Educazoo, these animals allow the public to discover fascinating biodiversity while also raising awareness about the importance of responsible management of exotic species.

 

A Live Biology Lesson

Because Rosalie was pregnant at the time of filming, the team carefully selected animals that were appropriate for the situation. Joanie also explained that snails can naturally carry certain bacteria, but that simply washing your hands after handling them eliminates the associated risks.

Besides, as the team jokingly pointed out, we much prefer admiring them alive than putting them on the menu! During the segment, viewers had the opportunity to observe several fascinating characteristics of giant African land snails. Their movement particularly impressed Rosalie. Beneath their bodies, you can observe muscular waves that allow them to move slowly but efficiently.

Watching this mechanism in action live is always spectacular.
 

Eyes, Nostrils… and Even a Lung!

A closer look at the snails revealed several surprising details. Rosalie was able to examine their long tentacles bearing their 2 eyes. Looking closely, it was even possible to spot the tiny black pupil inside each eye.

The 2 lower tentacles are used to detect odors and explore the environment. Participants were also able to observe the opening of the snail’s lung, which allows air to enter its shell. One of the most surprising facts shared during the segment was about the shell itself. Contrary to what many people believe, a snail never changes shells. It builds its own shell, and that shell grows along with the animal throughout its entire life.

A true wonder of nature!

 

Always Learning Through Wonder

For more than 25 years, Educazoo has been dedicated to bringing people closer to biodiversity through educational, safe, and memorable encounters. This segment with Rosalie Vaillancourt is a perfect example of that mission in action.

Even when we think we know animals well, some species still manage to surprise us. And after observing their eyes, nostrils, lung, and unique way of moving, one thing is certain: giant African land snails are far more fascinating than they first appear.