Petting Zoo
Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm offers a petting zoo during special events that is managed by an accredited and experienced Animal Care Team that are professional members of the American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America. Animals are professionally transported to the farm for special events and do not reside on the premises full time.
The Petting Zoo is located in our paid activity area that is open daily from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31, Monday through Friday from 4 to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Petting Zoo
Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm offers a petting zoo during special events that is managed by an accredited and experienced Animal Care Team that are professional members of the American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America. Animals are professionally transported to the farm for special events and do not reside on the premises full time.
The Petting Zoo is located in our paid activity area that is open daily from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31, Monday through Friday from 4 to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Meet Your Animal Care Team

Steve Pulera is a graduate of San Diego Zoo Global Academy and has been working with domestic animals since 2001. He has 18 years experience working with wildlife and zoological species, encompassing over 70 species and managing accredited zoos. He is a professional member of American Association of Zookeepers, Professional Member of Zoological Association of America and his professional experience includes:
- Certification in safe capture and chemical immobilization/wildlife anesthesia
- Transports wild animals and mega vertebrates for private and accredited zoos
- Consultant for multiple zoos in animal husbandry and care for exotic animals
- Consults for veterinary clinics and local animal control in cases requiring knock downs, sedations and captures
Colleen Vana has a B.S. Animal Sciences with an emphasis in Animal Behavior. Since 2009 she has been working with domestic and companion animals as a Professional Animal trainer and behaviorist. She is a professional member of American Association of Zookeepers and her professional experience includes:
- 13 years professional dog trainer
- 8 years professional animal trainer
- 8 years working in zoological field
- 5 years in management