I think SDC should bring the petting zoo back. What do you guys and gals think?
Is there not a bunch of animals behind McHaffey Homestead that kids can pet/play with?
Thats what I thought.....
Yep...there is
Practically no one realizes that the petting zoo still exists, but if they actually advertised it I don't think the area would even be able to hold more people than those that wander through there now. You've really only got about three animals in there that you can actually pet at any given time. The rest of it consists of a few chickens, geese, ducks, and pigs that you can watch roam around.
I do miss the big petting zoo that used to be where Riverblast is now. Some of my earliest SDC memories are from that place.
I would like to see them bring in more animals for the kids to see.. More and more kids will be growing up and nver have that chance..
In it's early days...the early to mid 80's...I worked at the petting zoo where Riverblast is now, it was part of the Tom Sawyer's Landing attraction. I remember on rainy days there was a certain odor...mmmm...not very pleasant. We sold sugar cones filled with animal feed for a quarter back then and did a very lively business! I remember that we had to show kids to open their hands all the way, and put the feed in their palms so the goats and little donkey would not nip their fingers! There was always one kid who didn't listen, and, oh, the tears that followed! :D Got to admit, I sure liked working the diving bell better than the petting zoo!
I had a goat take a big chunk out of my shirt one year down there, your hand would always get all nasty too. I have been down to the homestead but its just not the same. Memories :D
The current "petting zoo" area behind the Homestead is more like a "petting pen." It's only a fraction of the glory the original petting zoo at Tom Sawyer's Landing had. Perhaps it is a money issue since live animals are expensive. However, if the company can invest in a brand new rollercoaster, and the rights to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, surely they could finance an expansion to the current petting zoo location.
What will draw more people to the park...new rollercoaster, Rudolph at Christmas, or expanded petting zoo? ;)
Hey now, I like to pet the animals! :P
Perhaps I a bit nostalgic, but the original petting zoo was a great attraction. It gave park guest (especially the kids) an opportunity to enjoy a hands on, interactive experience. Sure, a petting zoo will never have the same draw as a fancy rollercoaster, but something as simple as a petting zoo brings Silver Dollar City to life, and connects to people on so many different levels.
Just because a petting zoo would never measure up to a main attraction, doesn't mean that it should be pushed under the rug. :)
Perhaps a petting zoo with Rudolph might bring in some people!
Know I am prob in the minority, but the Homestead is where we spend most of our time. My girl's always like to hang out with the Picker's and Aunt Judy. They usually have goats, rabbits, hogs, chickens and the miniature pony and donkey. If you are able to catch Uncle Gene's Christmas story in the cabin, don't miss it.
My kids love the petting zoo They love animals and they have had alot of different animals but some kids dont get to have farm animals and I would love to see more animals at SDC for the little ones.
Due to my families crazy collective allergies, we stay away from the petting zoo.....
Quote from: rubedugans on November 09, 2012, 10:48:14 AM
Perhaps a petting zoo with Rudolph might bring in some people!
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and the rest of the gang :D