Petting zoo charms all at South Texas State Fair
The air at Ford Park is filled with the sounds of laughter, the occasional moo from one of the world’s smallest cows, and the delighted squeals of children as they interact with the animals at the South Texas State Fair petting zoo.
The popular attraction, set up near the park’s outdoor venue, has drawn families, animal lovers, and curious fairgoers eager for a hands-on experience with various friendly animals.
From gentle deer and playful goats to towering camels, the petting zoo offers visitors a chance to connect with animals they don’t see normally. For Garrett Davis, Beaumont freshman, it was a surprising highlight of the fair.
“I came for the good food and the rides, but somehow I ended up feeding a giant tortoise,” the Lamar University criminal justice major said. “It’s not every day you get to do this kind of thing.”
Beaumont sophomore Madeline Warren said the petting zoo was an unexpected but welcome break from her busy schedule.
“I spend so much time at school and studying on top of work, so getting to just stand here and feed a baby goat is a nice escape,” the chemistry major said, with a laugh.
Beaumonter Manning Gardner, a Texas A&M student studying port management, said visiting the petting zoo has been a tradition.
“I’ve been coming to this fair since I was a kid, so it’s nice to be back in my hometown and enjoy it again,” he said, as he scratched behind the ears of a miniature donkey. “It’s one of those things that never gets old.”
The petting zoo was one of the most visited spots during the fair’s run. As the students will attest, it’s an experience that never gets old.
