(Kingsbury) — Did you know that Guadalupe County is home to some of the most exotic animals in the world? Well because many of you are probably shaking your heads no, the Janda Exotics Animal Ranch near Kingsbury will open its doors this weekend for its annual Janda Exotics Open Petting Zoo & Pumpkin Patch.
Owner Ashley Duncan says the multi-acre ranch features over 25 different species of exotic animals. She says the animals range in size all the way up to large ostriches and full size kangaroos.
“We have an open event. Normally, we are private only and so this weekend, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. we have an open event. We are having vendors. All of our exhibits are open that you can come like leisurely walk with your family. There’s activities for kids. We have a free bounce house. Face painting for kids. We have a snack bar that we didn’t have last year. Kona Ice will be there as well. We have a petting zoo that is included with the fee. Also, this year, we have baby animal interactions where you can get the opportunity to hold a baby kangaroo or see one up close. We are going to have those throughout the day as well,” said Duncan.
The ranch is a state and federally licensed private zoo and breeding facility. Duncan says the group works to “maintain healthy, captive environments for exotic and farm animals” and to help “expand the general consumers knowledge level on all exotic and domestic animals.”
She says all baby animals born at the animal ranch are cared for and then placed in other like-minded licensed facilities, zoos or at approved private homes.
“Almost every animal we have is exotic. Even our cows, they are miniature cows. We have miniature horses. Z-Donk, she’s half zebra, half donkey. She’s going to be one of our featured animals this weekend that is going to be out making her debut and all the animals are very friendly. We run a private petting zoo throughout the year so all of the animals are very used to people and our staff takes very, very good care of them,” said Duncan.
Duncan says this annual effort each October is a great way to enjoy the fall season while also supporting the mission to protect the animals.
“We are new to the area but I do find that a lot of people are just learning about us. We’ve been in the area for about four years but we grow so much every year and we add so many different things that every time people come out, we look different, we upgrade a lot. We spend a lot of time and our resources expanding and making everything better for our animals and I think it really shows when people talk about us,” said Duncan.
Again, the event will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at jandaexotics.com. Tickets are $7 a person. There is no cost for children two and under. Admission includes the cost of the bounce house and petting zoo.
Janda Exotics Animal Ranch is located at 910 Cottonwood Creek Road in Kingsbury.