SJO FFA holds petting zoo

An annual tradition is taking place at St. Joseph-Ogden High School today—the SJO FFA petting zoo to celebrate National FFA Week.

The petting zoo features 16 animals plus six baby chicks, said FFA Reporter Mallory Ames.

The animals include two donkeys, two pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and a llama.

Ames said the FFA members bring in as many animals as they can and have often raised the animals since they were born.

Ames said the petting zoo is an important service to the community.
“It’s important for us to have the petting zoo because many students don’t have ag backgrounds,” she said. ‘So it’s often the first time for them to see these animals.”

The petting zoo invites students from St. Joseph Grade School and the Prairieview-Ogden school district to attend. The grade school students get to learn about animals and complete activities like coloring and planting seeds.

“We absolutely love it,” Ames said. “I really enjoy teaching the students because most of them have no idea about agriculture and they are all so adorable.”

The public is welcome to attend the petting zoo which is open until 2 p.m. in the agriculture room of St. Joseph-Ogden High School.