How many of you enjoy visiting petting zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums and local petting farms? We have grandchildren and enjoy taking them to those type’s of places, so that they can learn about the animals, animal conservation and/or farming. They’re great educational places to visit!
A few months ago while on vacation down to the Jersey Shore we took our 9 year old granddaughter to the Jersey Shore Alpaca Farm located near historic Cape May in New Jersey. You can visit the farm during public days or schedule a private farm tour. We schedule the private tour and really got some one-on-one attention with the Alpacas.
Our farm tour lasted for approximately 45 minutes and we had the opportunity to get up close & personal with the Alpacas. Upon arrival, they had pre-made bags of carrot sticks waiting for us to feed to them, which happens to be their favorite snack.
The boys and the girls (Alpacas) are separated from one another, so we went to see the boys first. “Oliver” came right up to the fence and was extremely friendly. He allowed us to pet and feed him for several minutes before the other boys joined him. He ended up being the Princess’ favorite out of the males.
We then headed into the female Alpacas pen and really got hands-on with the girls. There were several of them who come right up to you so that you can pet & feed them. My favorite girl was Mabeline and my granddaughter’s favorite was Tory, short for Victoria. We spent most of our time at the farm in the pen with the girls feeding them & loving on them.
During your farm tour the tour guide will give you all kinds of different information about Alpacas. We learned about their typical lifespan, where they come from (South America), about their breeding, feeding habits, etc. You really get a nice education about them. All of them were extremely friendly and when you pet them…you’ll see how soft their fleece really is! Oh my gosh…I could live in clothing that is made from Alpaca fleece!
Our private farm tour lasted for about 45 minutes in length and then afterwards we did a little shopping in their on-site gift shop. I was able to pick up a few little souvenirs and my granddaughter selected a pair of fingerless gloves made from Alpaca fleece, the same fleece that was sheared from one of the Alpaca on the farm.
If you’re heading to the south Jersey Shore (Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood or Cape May) you’ll find the Jersey Shore Alpaca Farm located right off route 47 near Cape May in New Jersey. You can visit their website for their hours of operation and/or to set up a private farm tour. We had a great time and definitely visit again.
I am going to take my granddaughter to more zoos and petting farms when the weather allows us to go to them. She was too afraid a few months go to really enjoy them, but now she approaches animals more easily.
This looks like a fun day for the whole family. We have several alpaca farms in our area and they are so sweet I just love them.
Alpacas are such neat animals. There are a few breeders around our part of the country who show them. We also have a fair here and there is livestock . I always visit he alpacas and the llamas. Alpacas I think ar the much friendlier of the two and their handlers always like talking as they are grooming them.
Kids would love seeing alpacas. Let’s face it, they’re a funny looking animal, lol. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one up close and personal.
I would so love to take my grandchildren to a place like this. It makes me wonder if we have anything comparable in my area. What a fun day.
Animals have my heart and then some, ha! This would be a dream day for me 🙂