Safari Farm Petting Zoo

About a week ago, we posted that we had a new addition or two at Safari Farm. My intention was to bring one juvenile African crested porcupine to join our animal family. This is a new species for us and one that I have not personally worked with so it made sense to focus on one individual while we learned. When I arrived to pick up Kiki, I was asked if I wanted another female. I promptly said no and then I don’t know and then no. As I turned the corner and saw the angry slightly larger juvenile in a wire cage, without hesitation, I said yes. I just cannot leave an animal behind. As she was loaded into the car, I quickly came up with the name Miss Nasty. A few days later it was discovered that Miss Nasty is actually a mister. 😳 Mr. Nasty will have his 🥜 removed next week. This little guy was terrified and the first several days were a nightmare trying to crate train him. I had to use a barrier between us and I wondered how many quills could actually come out of one porcupine? 😆 But we kept working at it every day, twice a day. Today with no barrier between us he went into his crate like a gentleman although not very happy about it…that’s him stomping his foot in protest. So you might be asking yourself why are they crate training him? All animals should be trained to be moved, transported and vetted if necessary, but it’s even more critical for exotic animals. Most exotic animals cannot tolerate stress the way domestic and livestock animals can. If an emergency arises, how do you move them? How does your veterinarian treat a sick or injured exotic animal? It all comes down to training and commitment. If you decide to own an exotic animal, then you owe it to them to give the best possible care and cause the least amount of stress during an emergency. More to come about African crested porcupines, Kiki and Mr. Nasty (we should probably give him a new name).

Now booking private tours and a limited amount of kangaroo experiences with Rico! Kangaroo experience with Rico: This 30 minute experience will include an educational talk about kangaroos, one on one time with Rico and photo opportunities. $100 includes up to four guests. $10 for each additional guest Full non-refundable payment must be made at time of reservation If you are booking a private tour, the kangaroo experience can be added on for an additional $75 Private tours: This 60 minute experience includes a full guided tour of Safari Farm and visiting our animals in their pasture/yard/barn. There will be plenty of hands on opportunities, including brushing, petting, healthy snacks for some of the animals and educational information along the way. $85 includes up to four guests, $10 for each additional guest. All of our experiences are by reservation only and require non-refundable payment at time of booking. Walk-ins are not accepted as the petting zoo will be closed to the public. Get hoppin’ on booking!

Turning up the heat on some dirt. We didn’t even melt anything or get burned! #GirlPower

Y’all we have a new addition or two that arrived at Safari Farm today. African crested porcupines! These two youngsters will be slowly introduced, and eventually be in an enclosure together. We can’t wait to post photos and videos about their progress.

Thank you to NEPA Strong for having us at The Ultimate Trunk or Treat & Marketplace at the Circle Drive-In again this year! This is an incredible event made possible by Kristen Miller-Hahn, volunteers and sponsors. By far our favorite offsite event, and we loved seeing old friends and making new ones. Brook Valley Farm Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm Raenbow Party Dani Long Legs and the Eclectic Circus The Black Cat Barista Twiddlywinks Boutique The Brown Initiative See you next year!

The gang greeting the unicorn that will be visiting on Sunday at our Fall Festival from 11-4 Buy one admission get one 1/2 off. $22 for two people. Shop the awesome vendors, eat, drink cider, pumpkin and sunflower picking, and meet and greets with ambassador animals.

The unicorn arriving at Safari Farm! Not in his unicorn attire. 😉 🦄

Waking up baby Rico Suave…he’s not a morning kangaroo.

Goodnight from Safari Farm.

What happens on private tours? A little of this…