HistoryLink Tours

In 1970 Forest Park began a petting zoo, the Animal Farm, where visitors of all ages could have a closeup experience with rabbits, pigs, ducks, goats, chickens and ponies, with parks staff supervising and offering educational programs. The Animal Farm’s location is on the site of the old zoo’s large animal exhibits. Enclosed with a fence that runs downhill from the parking area and behind the meeting room halls, Animal Farm is large enough to offer young visitors pony rides.

Maintenance and staffing costs threaten continuance of the Animal Farm and while visitations are free, donations are happily accepted. Public health and financial impacts of Covid 19 forced closure of Animal Farm in 2020 and 2021.

Walk north (to the right) of the Animal Farm entrance to three meeting halls.