Petting zoos allow visitors to interact with domesticated farm and wild animals, fostering respect and kindness. They are often aimed at children and offer educational tours. However, animals in children’s activity centers may not be well cared for. Interacting with animals can teach children about their behavior and socialization, but visitors should also practice hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria.
A petting zoo is a zoo that keeps domesticated farm animals such as horses, goats, and sheep, along with some domesticated wild animals, such as deer or turtles. Visitors to the enclosure can see the animals, interact with them and usually feed them as well. Staff educate guests about the animals they keep, and for people in urban areas, a zoo can create a connection with animals that fosters respect and kindness. Plus, visiting a petting zoo can be just plain fun.
Often, a zoo is referred to as a children’s zoo, because the experience is aimed primarily at children. Many conventional zoos have a special area where children can walk with their parents or guardians. Zoo staff lead tours of the enclosure and offer informative talks and lectures to people who want to learn more about the animals. In spring, when there are numerous baby animals, the petting zoo sometimes allows visitors to interact with the animals and their young.
A children’s activity center may also include a petting zoo as part of its offerings. Unfortunately, the animals kept in these enclosures tend not to be as healthy and well cared for as animals in a regular zoo. Raising farm animals takes skill and patience, and the staff at a children’s center aren’t always up to the task. It’s also important to have ample space for the animals to run and play, a problem that is sometimes left unresolved by the designers of these smaller zoos.
Interacting with farm animals can teach children about how farm animals live and socialize. In addition to ungulates, many facilities also house pigs and poultry such as ducks, chickens and geese. The animals are selected for gentle temperaments and children are encouraged to handle the animals so they can learn more about them. Calm wild animals are also used to introduce children to the natural world.
Since many animals are carriers of the bacteria, even healthy and well-groomed animals, a responsible visit also includes washing the dishes. Especially if you later visit other parts of the zoo, you may accidentally bring something to an animal that may be susceptible to it. Some zoos include tubs for dipping your shoes after your visit, and all should provide restrooms with space to wash your hands.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
