Starting November 1, the Petting Paddock in the Children’s Zoo at the San Diego Zoo is going to be closed for a few weeks for a much needed face lift. The new digs will include a stainless steel perimeter fence that will be expanding the area by about 200 square feet (19 square meters). A new concrete pad and drainage system will be put in to allow for easier cleaning and drainage during the rainy days. There will be an area for the pot-bellied pigs and rabbits to be pet through a child-friendly barrier. The miniature horses will be getting a new roof and new wire framework. (Read about the mini horses in the blog, Katie the Mini Horse.)

While the upgrade is going on, the majority of the Petting Paddock animals will be getting some R & R up at our Wild Animal Park. They will be behind the scenes, where the former Infant Isolation Unit and old hospital were located. The Children’s Zoo Paddock keepers will still be taking care of their charges and will make the drive daily up there to service, feed, and monitor the herd.

We apoligize for any inconvenience during the month of November for visitors who will miss their farm animal fix! But we hope you’ll come by after we are done and check out the new habitat for some of the most loved animals in the Zoo!

Nicki Boyd is an animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo.

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