The Ark

A frosty Saturday morning at the farm

By Melissa Keizer

November 10^th, 2013

I drive by the sign for "The Ark Open Farm" several times a week, but it had been years since I've visited. Since both myself and my boyfriend Michael have a great love for the four-legged creatures of the world, we thought it would be nice to spend a few hours there at the weekend.

The Yard

Our first stop was the yard, where we met horses, donkeys, pigs, alpacas and cows. However, the farm wasn't only home to your typical farm-yard creatures, but to a wide variety that included some I thought I'd only see at the zoo.

PETS CORNER

Bringing me back to my memories of birthday parties at the farm was the "Pets Corner" area. I felt like a child again, becoming giddy as I got to hold the baby animals, including the loveliest, little, Lionhead Rabbit.

The lair

The farm staff noticed I had been taking pictures of everything in sight, so invited us to see and photograph the animals in a new area of the farm, not yet ready for public viewing. This included 6 month old Red Squirrels and a young Pygmy Hedgehog. They even took the tarantula out for a walkabout.

The Deer

The farm was also home to a few different species of deer. Though most were a bit skittish, there was one Sika Deer who was curious enough to get quite close to us.

until next time

Upon leaving the farm, we said goodbye to both the staff and the friendly, resident Border Collie, Finn. We had a lovely day and I know it won't be too long before we're back again.