Barnyard Buddies

Barnyard Buddies is Alexandria Zoo's interactive petting area where young visitors can meet and feed domestic goats, sheep, miniature horses, and poultry. The exhibit provides hands-on animal experiences that build confidence, empathy, and respect for living creatures.

Heritage breed domestic animals are an important part of agricultural biodiversity. Many traditional livestock breeds are disappearing as industrial agriculture favors a small number of high-production breeds. Barnyard Buddies introduces visitors to rare heritage breeds and the importance of preserving agricultural genetic diversity.