Animal Farm closing down

A Nelson animal park will close at the end of the month.

Animal Farm owners Vicky and David Pattinson started the park in 2014 on Gardner Valley Rd in Upper Moutere, featuring a range of rare farm animal breeds.

Along with traditional sheep, cow, pig and chicken breeds, the farm park includes animals such as yaks, Texas longhorn bulls, Kaimanawa horses, ostriches, and emus.

The couple said changing personal circumstances had forced them to shut the business and sell their land.

Vicky Pattinson said they made the decision to close with ‘‘great sadness’’, with Animal Farm having been a treasured destination for many people, especially children.

‘‘We’re very proud to have built something that was a great asset to the community over the past five years.

‘‘It has been wonderful to see children having so much fun away from electronic devices and TV. We have loved seeing the children who come regularly gaining so much in confidence with the animals.’’

David Pattinson said the farm had also helped with the conservation of rare breeds, such as its herd of Arapawa Island goats. ‘‘Our herd grew to be one of the largest in New Zealand at one time.’’

While the park will close on March 31, Vicky Pattinson said she would be keeping all the core animals together, and the couple hoped to find a new owner for the business. They were looking to find an investor to work with to purchase the land and reopen the park.

In the meantime, they would be getting in touch with annual pass members about possible refunds.

For the remainder of March, entry prices to the park are being cut to $5 per person. ‘‘This is our way of giving back to the wonderful Nelson-Tasman community,’’ Pattinson said. ‘‘[It] is a way for the children and adults who have visited us in the past to say their goodbyes to the animals they love.’’