🌳Farmer Mary bought the ten acres that is now Winterpast Farm in 2002. She moved there with her two young sons from downtown Raleigh after a divorce. She started to acquire animals and one day someone called to ask about her “Pettting Zoo” and she hung up a sign and opened to the public. She originally made and sold goat cheese and cut flowers , then went through a llama stage and the farm is constantly changing. She has slowly turned her inground pool into a pond which houses many former pet aquatic turtles and fish and this year has been the nesting site for a Mallardduck pair.
🪆🪆The family hosted two 6 year old Russian orphans the next summer and decided to adopt them. Alex and Elizabeth are now 25. Elizabeth helps run the zoo as well as staying busy pet sitting and working in a warehouse in Raleigh called Gabi’s Grounds. Afterwards the family hosted a child or two from Chernobyl every summer.
🐰🐓🐐🐖Farmer Mary takes in many unwanted pets. The animals are then available for meeting, petting and feeding at the farm on the days posted open for visits.
🐰🐥🦔Some animals are available for you to host in your home! “Rent for a week and get over it” says Farmer Mary. And, about 99percent of all ages who thought they needed to “own” a small caged pet get over the idea after a week long highly informative animal experience. This recycles existing pets like hedgehogs, bunnies and guinea pigs that people often quickly grow tired of caring for. It also keeps alot of small animals out of animal shelters. Read more at “Pet Hosting” at winterpast.org.
🐐🐑🐰Farmer Mary has a mobile petting zoo she takes to community, corporate, church, home birthday neighborhoods and other events. ANY event for ANY ages is more fun with animals! Read more at the “Birthday” pages at winterpast.org.
🔥Bonfires are a fun way to spend time with family and friends or coworkers. Farmer Mary hosts great bonfires in the far back pasture of Winterpast Farm. Read more at “Bonfires” at winterpast.org.
🐓🥚🦆🥚Chicken and duck eggs are for sale at Winterpast Farm Petting Zoo. $5 a dozen helps buy feed for all the former pet chickens and ducks living here. Paid farm visit not required for egg purchase.
❤️Please tell friends about our small family farm animal rescue. Thank you for your support.❤️
👍Volunteers are always needed to help with basic animal care. Read the “Volunteer”pages winterpast.org.
🦚Winterpast Schedule:
Thurs Aug 4 CLOSED for camp
Fri Aug 5 OPEN 10-5 🐖PigDay
Sat Aug 6 OPEN 10-5
Sun Aug 7 OPEN 12-5