What has black and white stripes and looks like a horse? If that’s an easy question, how about this one? What does a zonkey look like? What animals have horns and what animals have antlers? If your child likes to ask questions (and what child doesn’t?), then you’ll want to visit the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo.
For 20 years, the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo has been introducing children to the wonders of the animal kingdom. What’s even more amazing is that the children get to touch, pet, and feed these animals. Where else can families share such a thrilling experience together? It’s no wonder that so many families come back again and again.
The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo is the oldest and largest zoological park in Sevier County, located on 140 acres in a natural outdoor habitat, with over 200 mammals and birds. As you drive in, you’ll see ducks and geese out sunning themselves. You’ll hear the loud caw of the peacocks. You’ve entered a different world far away from your everyday life.
To make the most of your visit, be sure to purchase a cup of food pellets with your ticket. Then watch your child’s face light up with wonder as a graceful deer wanders over to eat out of the palm of his or her hand. Go with your children into the pen of the African pygmy goats; the whole herd will swarm around you wanting a treat. Parents will be just as excited as their children to be surrounded by these lively but gentle animals.
Several different types of deer call the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm home, including Santa’s reindeer. How cool is that? You’ll also have a chance to pet and feed Rocky Mountain Elk, the same kind as are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll see many exotic animals up close, including long-necked emus, dromedary camels, Australian kangaroos, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, South American guanacos, and mouflon sheep with their curled horns. Children especially love seeing the miniature horses stand next to King Kong, a giant Belgian horse.
Speaking of horses, young children can have fun riding a gentle pony, which a parent leads around a shaded track at the Deer Farm Pony Rides. The whole family (yup, baby too) can enjoy a relaxing trail ride on the bigger horses at the Deer Farm Riding Stables. It’s all part of experiencing the wonders of nature at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo.
For an affordable, extraordinary, hands-on vacation outing the whole family will remember, the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm can’t be beat. For more information, see their web site at www.deerfarmzoo.com |
