At Nature’s Explorers, we have love and respect for wildlife, pets, and our farm animals. The property is home to three goats and four chickens. The house is a permanent home for six dogs and one cat, along with the occasional rescue animal from Apollo’s ARC. Our classroom has always been home to our tarantula, Cleo, who has been Jenn’s pet for many years. Observing, caring for, and respecting animals of all sizes and species is a large part of our curriculum.
Sweet Rosie. We call her “Mama Goat” because she is always looking after her “kids,” both goats and humans. If someone is crying, Rosie is the first to investigate. We also call her “Nosy Rosie” because she truly has a nose for news.
Handsome Billy is the most shy of the goats and needs to get to know you well before he asks you to stroke his nose. He is a gentle soul who loves oak leaves and sunbathing. Although he is shy, he always comes when called by name.
Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind's capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but in a sense because they don't; because they all stand unequal and powerless before us. - Matthew Scully
Supermodel Rambo has a funny personality and reminds us of our toddlers because he is so loving and such a troublemaker. Rambo is always smiling and he loves attention. Rambo likes to give kisses, whisper in our ears, nibble on clothing, climb, and run. He is the only goat who will gently push us for extra attention.
Felicia came to us along with Karen, adopted from a nearby flock. She is squarely at the bottom of the pecking order in our coop but we think she’s something special.
Maryanne is our most elegantly dressed chicken and we think she is proud of her fluffy scarf.
Karen is at the top of the pecking order in our coop. She is a take-charge gal who is also our best egg layer. Karen responds to her name and is very outspoken. She loves to talk with the children!
Wanda has the most beautiful feathers! Her favorite food is corn and her best friend in the whole world is Maryanne. Wanda is sweet and inquisitive.
Interactions between children and animals occur daily at Nature’s Explorers both spontaneously and in curriculum plans. Interactions are always voluntary on the part of the animal and we support children in learning how to treat all living creatures with gentleness and respect. Some children are afraid of some animals and some animals are wary of some children. We always keep a careful eye on the safety and well-being of all involved.
Animal visitors to our program include other members of our families like a desert tortoise, gopher snake, and guinea pig.
Our desert tortoise, Baldwin.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi