My name is Farmer Anthony and my job at the farm is a little different. I keep people up to date on what is going on around the farm by showing off our amazing animals and our exciting daily and seasonal events. But sometimes I’m allowed out to play too!
Today I took to the road on a mini Animal Roadshow to a lovely local playgroup where some cool kids and marvellous mums got the chance to meet a selection of special animals. It was so much fun!
Getting ready to go
The day began here at the farm and I loaded up some furry friends and cute critters. Today I took Daisy and Peach the Guinea pigs, Morty and Tulip the Netherland Dwarf rabbits and Merry and Pippin the little mice. That’s the cute and cuddlies sorted then it was time for some creepy crawlies and reptiles! George the tortoise, Monty Python, Millie Millipede, Colin Cockroach and some giant African land snails.
I carefully loaded the enclosures, food, water, enrichment and of course the animals in their cosy travel pens. Then it was time to hit the road in the animal van! I have to say, I love driving the van for a few reasons. Mainly because it is smooth and comfortable but also because, unlike my own car, the air conditioning works. Bonus! It was a lovely sunny start to the day and I was very grateful. Phew!
I even got a cup of coffee!
It was a nice journey and I was happy to drive at a really lovely venue. I got a lovely welcome and an even better cup of coffee. I had plenty of time to set up as lots of parents and little ones arrived at the Play Group and had a good catch up while I moved the animals into their enclosures and gave them some food and water too. It was so nice to see lots of excited faces as I bought each animal in. With some welcome help from some of my new little friends, we were ready to go!
This of course is the best bit! I got to tell them all my favourite facts about each amazing animal. It was a great group and they seemed to love them all. Even my personal fave, Colin Cockroach. I introduced every new animal and some of the children just wanted to get a close up look and some wanted to touch. Some of the older ones even had a hold! I managed to convince some of the mums to hold the snake! I was very impressed with their bravery. After the creepy crawlies we met George the tortoise who was on top form and even had a little walk around the centre. It was cool to explain the the little ones that he can feel every touch on his shell. This led to lots of lovely gentle strokes for George! I think its safe to say the favourite by far was Morty our lovely little rabbit. Him and his friend Tulip were the stars of the show. They were really friendly and the little ones were so gentle. Such a great day!
As the Play Group came to an end it was time to load the animals back into the van for the short journey home. Thanks to all the mums for their help! Roadshows are as much fun for us as they are for the schools and groups. We do mini roadshows like I did today, right up to giant ones like the Gloworm Festival. If you think your group would enjoy one, get in touch! We’d love to tell you all about what we can do.
For now, its time to get back to work on the farm. Hope to see you all soon.
Farmer Anthony
