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.

Babies on the Farm

Animal Encounter Details

Fennec fox encounters, skunk encounters, and kangaroo encounters are available at the petting zoo tent in Jerry Smith Farm’s paid attraction area during the Babies on the Farm event.

The encounters will take place from 10:30 am – 5 pm and must be pre-scheduled by calling Colleen: 847-849-6303. Animals will take intermittent breaks throughout the day and will be determined by the handler as needed. Encounters are based on the animal’s voluntary participation and are subject to close early if the animal does not wish to participate.

Animal Encounters 1
Animal Encounters 2

The encounters are scheduled for 15-minute intervals and account for the animal; and handler breaks. The charge for a fennec fox encounter is $60. The max amount of people in the encounter area is 2 at a time. There is a charge of $40 for the second person. No other people will be allowed in the encounter area. Participants must be over the age of 5 and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. No exceptions. The charge for a kangaroo or skunk encounter is $30. The same rules apply to kangaroo and skunk encounters, however a second person is a $20 charge.

The handler will go over rules and directions with the guest(s). Guests are seated for encounters and will be taught the appropriate way to hold, pet, and interact with animals. Guests are allowed to take photographs on personal devices ie cell phones/cameras.

Appointments are subject to cancellation due to severe weather if Jerry Smith Farm closes.

Meet Your Animal Care Team

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