11 AM & 1 PM
We’re celebrating our animal residents during International Heritage Breeds Week! Join us at 11 AM and 1 PM for daily up-close introductions with our Heritage and rare breed animal family. Meet the animals and hear from our animal keepers about what makes them unique.
Heritage Breeds Week activities are free with paid park admission. Weekday admission is $5 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Weekend admission is $6 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Members and children ages 1 and under are free.
Dates: Sunday – Saturday, May 20 – 26
Times: 11 AM and 1 PM
What are Heritage Breeds?
Heritage breeds of domestic livestock are breeds that were originally raised by early settlers before industrial agriculture became common practice. Around 200 breeds are listed on The Livestock Conservancy—an organization working to protect livestock and poultry from extinction—and most breeds are facing extinction. The Conservancy hosts International Heritage Breeds Week to raise awareness about endangered heritage breeds of livestock and poultry in America.
Fairytale Town’s Heritage Breed animals include:
- Eeyore is a Miniature Sicilian Donkey, and his breed is listed as Watch. Around 10,000-15,000 currently reside in North America. Miniature donkeys were imported to the United States in the 1920s as draught animals to carry heavy loads on farms.
- Mopsy is an American Chinchilla rabbit, and her breed is listed as critical. Her breed dates back to 1924.
- Salt and Pepper are Southdown (or babydoll) sheep, and their breed is listed as recovering. They were originally from Sussex in Southeastern England. Southdowns were introduced to North America around the 1700s. They are primarily used for their fleece (wool).
- Maddie is a Scottish Highland Cow. This breed is unique for their small size, two coats of long wavy hair, and gentle nature.