Mobile Petting Zoo Is A Thriving Business

Mobile Petting Zoo Is A Thriving Business LIVESTOCK Miscellaneous Jessica Kesteloot of Cottonwood Minn has mastered the formula for bringing joy and delight to “kids of all ages ” She operates Jessica’s Family Farm a traveling petting zoo with her family of miniature farm animals After working weekdays as a food researcher she spends most weekends from May to October traveling to events in Minnesota and South Dakota showing off her family of miniature dwarf and small-breed animals Her traveling zoo includes a 30-year-old miniature horse named Froggy a cow named Pitt Squeak and a donkey named Oliver An assortment of goats sheep ducks rabbits and a Kunekune pig also belong to her animal clan She hauls the animals in a customized 3-horse trailer pulled by a 3/4-ton 2004 Dodge diesel truck with husband-built panels for containing the animals at events The panels conveniently attach to the exterior of the trailer during transport The trailer has living quarters in case she stays overnight at an event site Jessica’s 9-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter often accompany her helping with setup and talking about the animals Her artist sister offers face painting at some events Jessica occasionally makes special appearances with Froggy her all-white pony who shows up in disguise as a unicorn Jessica transforms the all-white Froggy into Rainbow the Unicorn by painting the pony’s hooves glittery gold and attaching a custom-made plastic horn to the pony’s halter Rainbow the Unicorn is also available as a live prop for custom photography or as a surprise guest at kids’ birthday parties “Froggy was a gift to me 25 years ago ” Kesteloot says “and he’s still in excellent health despite his age He’s lost some of his teeth but hopefully he’ll be around for many more years ” When not at a weekend engagement Jessica’s animals are housed in a barn and outbuildings at her parents’ farm four miles from her home She feeds them and performs other chores daily For more details about her programs visit her Facebook page Jessica’s Family Farm LLC Rates for events start at $250 “I had no idea the opportunities for ‘agritainment’ with my animals ” Jessica says “Now they’re not just my expensive pets but they bring joy to so many others and pay their own way ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Jessica’s Family Farm Cottonwood Minn ph 507-401-1807; jessicalouwagie@yahoo com

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