Concerned about germs? We are too.
At ZOOMARS, we take safety seriously. Our petting zoo is inspected and approved
by both the USDA and the Orange County Health Department. Our animals receive
routine vet visits and are annually vaccinated. A handwashing station is located
at the entrance and disinfectant dispensers are placed in the petting pens. We
are fully insured and will gladly address any health concerns you may have. |
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The
following article appeared in the 2006 Orange
County Edition of the PET LOVERS HANDBOOK. |
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" Good
Clean Fun At A Petting Zoo"
Written by Carolyn Gonzalez,
Co-Owner of ZOOMARS Petting Zoo & Bird Park |
First we battled the biggest rainfall
in California history. Then came a stream of bad press caused
by an E-coli outbreak at a petting zoo in Florida. Nevertheless,
ever since my husband and I purchased the legendary Jones Mini-Farm
(now called ZOOMARS); business has been terrific.
Why? Because most parents know that a trip to the petting zoo is
one of the best experiences a child can have. This one-on-one interaction
is so much more engaging than seeing an animal in a book, video,
or television show. Contact with animals also boosts confidence and
provides an opportunity to teach kids the importance of good hygiene.
Ever heard of zoonoses? It’s
a funny word but no laughing matter. Zoonoses are
diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.
So whether you’re petting the family dog
or a goat at the zoo, always follow these basic
guidelines: |
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WASHING is the single most effective way
to guard against bacteria if kids do it correctly.
Teach them to wet hands, apply soap, lather for
at least 20 seconds, then rinse. A good way to
teach youngsters the 20-second rule is to sing “Happy
Birthday” or “Twinkle, Twinkle” which
usually take about that long. If a sink is not
available, sanitizing gel works, too. At ZOOMARS
we have both, but it’s smart to be prepared
with your own gel, just in case. |
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AVOID
HAND-TO-MOUTH ACTIVITIES such as eating
and drinking. Children should also avoid the temptation
to kiss animals and not touch their own eyes, nose,
or mouth until they’ve washed up.
DON’T TOUCH POO.
It seems obvious but those little germ-filled
poop balls can be intriguing to kids.
BEFORE
YOU VISIT a petting zoo, find out if it’s
USDA Certified to ensure the owners have met government
standards for proper care of their animals. Just remember
that even healthy animals carry germs. That’s why
a few precautions are essential, even at the best-run places.
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