From an early age, I’ve always found comfort in animals.  As long as I can remember I was drawn to them. I was not the child that squished bugs. I’ve always tried to save them. Picking them up and finding them a safe place. From the smallest of insects to the largest of animals, I found comfort in their presence. My love for animals carried me through some very tough times as a child abuse survivor.

-Origins-
In 2003, I moved to the farm. I began bringing in horses from the “kill pens” at auctions. The farm quickly filled up with 13 horses and 2 donkeys. After marriage, I left my corporate job and devoted all of my time to my animals. I volunteered for a pitbull rescue as a foster, transporter, and point of contact. It was at an auction that I found my first zonkey, a zebra/donkey cross and with it a new found interest in exotic or non-native species. Next, came the zebras and camels.

-Hard Times, Desperate Measures-
Many years later I got a divorce. With no job, no income and a lot of mouths to feed, I was faced with a difficult decision to give up my animals or figure out a way to take care of them. In 2018 I hand painted a sign, charged an $8 admission fee and opened to the public. It was extremely rewarding to give people lasting memories. To help them overcome fears about animals and watching their troubles temporarily fade as mine did as a child. It became easy to see that the best way to help and serve animals would be through community outreach and education. Giving people the opportunity to touch and spend time with animals that they might not otherwise ever encounter.

-New Beginnings-
I realized how important these interactions were to the public and knew there was more for me to do. And not just for our current animals and guests. In 2025 Safari Farm Petting Zoo became a nonprofit 501(c)(3). This new status will allow us to do more with our community outreach and bringing it full circle. Offering animals the comfort and time to heal just like they had done for me as when I was a child.

With the help of an extraordinary team we are committed to providing the best possible home for domestic, non-native and exotic species while our guests get a unique opportunity to get up close and learn about animals from all over the world.

Welcome to my little zoo!
~Lynn