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HomeHorse RescueTitle: Experience the Joy of Animal Interaction at Jostens Petting Zoo in...

Title: Experience the Joy of Animal Interaction at Jostens Petting Zoo in Kennewick, WA


KENNEWICK, Wash.- Jostens Petting Zoo offers a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages. Visitors can expect to interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, horses, pigs, bunnies, and chickens according to Ashley Josten, the owner of the Petting Zoo.

"When you come in, we give you a big ole’ cup of feed…These guys will be in here because they’ll jump on you, but you’ll get to feed them all out of your hand," Josten said.

Josten explained that the petting zoo is a hobby farm, where all the animals are rescues. "Basically, it’s a farm that you, you know, have pleasure in doing," she said. "All of ours are rescues, so we’re just trying to give them the best life."

The zoo features miniature horses, including Teddy and Itty Bitty, who are popular with visitors. "This one loves to be walked, loves a good treat," Josten said about Itty Bitty. "She’s a little bit skittish, but the moment you brush her, she is in love."

The pigs at the zoo also have distinct personalities. "This is Agnes. She’s the mama pig. She’s super chill. She loves kids…And then we got Gingy over here. She is sassy, full of personality, like she’s a firecracker," Josten said about some of her pigs.

Josten’s Petting Zoo is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the spring. In the summer, the zoo will also be open on weekdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, with children two and under admitted for free. Visitors receive a 16-ounce cup of feed to interact with the animals, with additional cups available for $2 each.

Jostens Petting Zoo in Kennewick, Washington, offers an interactive experience for animal lovers, featuring a variety of rescued animals such as alpacas, horses, pigs, bunnies, and chickens. Owner Ashley Josten emphasizes the hands-on approach, allowing visitors to feed the animals directly from their hands, creating a memorable experience. The zoo operates as a hobby farm dedicated to providing a loving environment for its rescue animals.

Among the popular attractions are miniature horses like Teddy and Itty Bitty, each with distinct personalities. Itty Bitty enjoys being walked and pampered, while the pigs, including the calm Agnes and the spirited Gingy, showcase their unique traits, making the visit enjoyable for families, especially children.

The petting zoo is open on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during spring, with extended summer hours. Admission is $8 per person, and children under two enter for free. Visitors receive a complimentary cup of feed, with additional cups available for purchase, enhancing the interactive experience with the animals.

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Title: "Successful Wild Horse Adoption Event in Montana Highlights Community Commitment to Conservation"

Each horse adopted is a life changed, and every adopter becomes part of the story of wild horse conservation. Those are the words of Melissa Foster, BLM Montana/Dakotas lead wild horse and burro specialist. With a 72% placement rate into private care, the event demonstrated the public’s continued interest in adopting and caring for America’s iconic wild horses.

That probably doesn’t surprise too many Montanans, so many of whom have a connection to the land and to majestic animals that grace its landscape. The Bureau of Land Management’s Montana/Dakotas Wild Horse and Burro Program held a successful adoption event in Hamilton May 2-4, placing 26 wild horses into new homes, including 19 adults and 7 yearlings, out of the 36 animals offered. Melissa Foster’s summary comments also included, “We’re proud of what we accomplished this weekend, and excited for what’s next.”

Friday evening’s silent auction saw approximately 30 attendees join for the viewing and auction, which resulted in 13 horses being placed. The high bid of the evening came in at $350.

Saturday’s clinic and adoption featured a horsemanship clinic led by renowned mustang trainer, Mustang Matt. That drew around 75 people, with total attendance topping 90 for the day. Two additional horses were placed on Saturday.

And, despite cold, rainy forecasts, Sunday brought a steady stream of visitors and nine more successful adoptions.

This adoption event was a team effort by BLM and all the folks that came to view and bid on wild horses. It demonstrated passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the BLM’s mission of humane placement and land stewardship.

Montana’s next adoption event is June 6-8 in Livingston, where 41 untrained horses and burros will be looking for their forever homes. To learn more about upcoming events, eligibility, and how you can be part of the effort to protect and preserve these living symbols of the American West, visit the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program webpage.

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