EVERETT — Nathan Erickson, 16 months, just couldn’t restrain himself.
Screaming in delight as he chased after a pygmy goat, his mom had to move in and slow him down.
“He loves to kiss animals,” said his mom, Danielle. “He gets very excited about them.”
Nathan had a lot of company Sunday, as more than 300 people visited the Animal Farm at Forest Park in Everett. On About 500 people attended the farm’s first open day of the summer season Saturday, farm manager Sherry Russell said. Admission is free, though donations to help offset costs are greatly appreciated.
People came to see the 15 goats, one sheep, two calves, six chickens, 14 chicks, three ducks, 25 bunnies and two popular baby pigs named Iggy and Ziggy. Next week, at least two horses will join the other critters at the farm and rides will be available.
Many of the animals wandered freely on the grounds and could be petted. Sometimes they took refuge in open areas of their small barns, where visitors still could see the animals but were asked not to go inside.
For some, the temptation was tough. The sheep — the cute, floppy eared kind — took a break at one point, just inside the barn.
“I want to touch it, I want to touch it,” said Mackensie Shaw, 17, of Everett.
Other animals, including the pigs, the chicks and some of the rabbits, are young and were kept inside but still could be seen.
The animals come from a variety of places, Russell said. Some are owned by staff members, some are loaned or donated by farmers or come from shelters.
Giving people a chance to pet the animals is only part of the experience, Russell said. The farm is an agricultural learning tool, she said.
“We are trying to educate kids about where their food comes from,” Russell said. The staff provides visitors with information about creating raised vegetable gardens and during the summer will offer classes such as horsemanship, chicken raising and cheese making. Bunnies may be borrowed for three days to help introduce children to the responsibilities of pet ownership.
The Animal Farm, located in Forest Park at 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day through Aug. 14. For more information go to http://tinyurl.com/429fzak or call 425-257-8300.
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
