Oleson Park Petting Zoo - Fort Dodge, IA

As homeschoolers, we try to get the kids out to experience new things on a regular basis. We were out and about in North Central Iowa and ran into the Oleson Park Petting Zoo at Oleson Park in Fort Dodge, IA.

This park has free admission on weekend and Thursday afternoons. They do accept freewill donations. They also - frustratingly - have small animals for sale. The bunnies we saw on our visit were in good health, priced at $5 a piece, but came with no instructions whatsoever. This is definitely an establishment geared toward HUMAN benefit.

Inside the petting zoo, there are llamas, muntjac (miniature) deer, miniature horses, sheep, pygmy goats, rabbits, and - if you can believe it - imus. No way would I let my kids toward those crazy-beaked creatures. Geese can hurt with their flat bills, can you imagine a peck from one of those behomeths?

The upside is that most of the animals are very friendly. The llama doesn't seem to realize it's not one of the people though. It goes around and looks in on other exhibits, and doesn't really enjoy being the center of attention. He took a pet or two before running away ... kicking.

In addition to the pets meant for petting, there are several animals on display. Bobcats, turkeys, porcupines, foxes, exotic chickens, geese and swans and a large enclosure for deer. Years ago, the deer in Oleson park were from a rehabilitation program for animals hit by cars. Today, it's anyone's guess.

Though the petting zoo can be a chance for kids to learn what animals look like, there is very little information posted on the care of these animals or our affect on their environment. However, it opens the door for more of that kind of thing around your own home.