A quick tour of YouTube shows that goats are big right now.
Baby goats jumping. Goats wearing costumes. Goats doing … yoga. (Or at least jumping on people doing yoga.)
You can get up close and personal with some local goats at The Times’ Home and Garden Show on March 24. Living Treasures of New Castle will bring a petting zoo to the meet and greet area. The petting zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Everyone has their favorite animal, but the goats are very popular,” says Living Treasures spokeswoman Krystle MacLean. “They are so friendly, and I think some kids think of them almost as ‘farm-style dogs!’”
Other animals will be at the one-pen petting zoo as well. “It’s typically nine animals: four goats, two rabbits, two ducks and a yak,” MacLean said.
A yak?
“It’s a younger yak, so it’s a little smaller,” she adds. “When they get bigger, it’s a different animal.”
There is no fee for the petting zoo. Feed for the animals will be available to purchase with proceeds going to the Humane Society.
It’s fun for all ages, MacLean said. “Everyone from toddlers to grandparents love meeting the animals. Children especially love getting the up-close interactions. It’s a very unique opportunity.”
Living Treasures is located four miles from the New Castle/Moraine exit on I-79. It is situated in a wooded setting that provides an abundance of shade for animals and visitors.
With more than 400 animals of 70 different species, the park provides a unique interactive experience that allows visitors to get close to the animals.
“You can feed the giraffes from the palm of your hand, ride a pony or camel, hold a baby kangaroo, and reach out and touch wildlife,” says MacLean. Living Treasures also offers a variety of traveling zoos. “Anyone can book a petting zoo year round. We have other traveling zoo options throughout the year as well.”
The park is open April through mid-November each year. Hours vary by season; for more information please visit www.ltzoo.com.