The Santa Barbara Zoo is offering a new animal encounter at the zoo’s barnyard, which recently welcomed mini Nubian and dwarf Nigerian goats. Zoo visitors can get up-close and personal with the little critters through a goat-brushing experience.

The goat brushing is a free activity, guided by zoo staff, held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (Hours may vary depending on the goats’ behavior and wellbeing, as the animals’ comfort and safety are the zoo’s priority).

“We are thrilled to introduce our guests to the mini Nubian and dwarf Nigerian goats through this interactive brushing experience,” said Rachel Ritchason, director of animal care at Santa Barbara Zoo. “It’s a fantastic way for guests to connect with these adorable animals, learn about their care, and understand the importance of all creatures in our ecosystem.

“Our animal encounter experiences are not just about fun; they’re educational journeys that highlight the significance of conservation and animal welfare.”
 
In addition to the goat brushing, the zoo offers other animal encounters and experiences that serve to deepen the guest connection to nature, conservation, and the animals themselves, the zoo said.

Those activities include feeding a penguin, getting eye-to-eye with the giraffes, and going behind the scenes to watch keepers train Amur leopards, and lions. For details on all of the animal encounter opportunities, click here.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. For more, visit www.sbzoo.org.