FURRY MENAGERIE ENCHANTS CHILDREN
With a cluck-cluck here and some sassy bleating there, a menagerie from Davis-based All about a Farm mobile petting zoo gathered quite the crowd Wednesday on the lawn near the Vacaville Town Square Library.
The line to pay the critters a visit stretched to one side of McBride Senior Center almost to the creek. But judging from the abundance of smiles and the squawking — from the youths and the animals — the short wait was worth it.
“Come on in, guys. No picking up and don't let the goats out, no matter what they tell you,” advised Morgan Sasser, the zoo's owner, as she ushered kids and their parents through a wire gate.
The large enclosure featured three rabbits — a Flemish giant, a lionhead and a fuzzy lop. The trio often hopped near one another and took naps near their water bowl.
The Nigerian dwarf goats were also a draw, luring in brush-wielding children who carefully groomed them.
A clutch of chickens and a duck swimming in its own pond rounded out the animal crew.
Taylor Tildsley of Fairfield watched as Nova, 21/2, followed a black-and-white goat and softly brushed it.
“She loves animals so this is perfect,” Taylor said, encouraging the tot to “gently, gently” brush the goat. “She's all about farming, so this is great.”
As Nova barely looked at any other animal, it's clear who her favorite was.
“I think she's sticking with the goat,” Taylor affirmed.
As other youths took turns with the brush, Sasser offered instructions.
“Brushes are for bunnies and goats, no duckies,” she emphasized.
Moments later, a bit of chaos ensued as Shirley Temple the Rhode Island Red darted out of the opened gate toward freedom. Actually, she appeared not to like it so much as she circled back and into the enclosure, mumbling all the way.
Marta McFarland and her kids, Damian, 18 months and Julia, 5, enjoyed the show. Library
programs such as this, she said, are never dull.
Aside from enjoying all library activities, which Marta said allows them to truly be part of the community, events such as this one hold a special meaning.
Ten months ago, Marta explained, Damian was very ill with botulism. They lived near a construction site, which she believes contributed to his illness. The fact that he's active now is such a blessing, she shared,
as the outcome could have been tragic.
“I cherish these moments,” she said. “I'm just so grateful.”
Sasser said she appreciated seeing the joy on the faces of her visitors and
loves to bring animals and people together.
The event was sponsored by the Solano County Library. For more librarysponsored activities, visit solanolibrary.com and click on “events.”