A petting zoo is a place where children and families can touch, feed, and interact with friendly farm animals up close. Unlike regular zoos where you observe animals from a distance, petting zoos let you walk among goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and other gentle creatures. You might brush a pony's mane, feed apple slices to a hungry goat, or hold a fuzzy chick in your hands.

These special exhibits exist at regular zoos, farms, fairs, and festivals. The animals are chosen because they're calm around people and enjoy (or at least tolerate) human attention. Staff members teach visitors how to approach animals safely and treat them with respect by moving slowly, speaking softly, and being gentle.

Petting zoos give city kids a chance to experience farm life and learn that the eggs in their refrigerator and the wool in their sweaters come from real, living animals. Many children discover their love of animals at petting zoos, sometimes sparking lifelong interests in veterinary medicine, farming, or animal care.