If I could talk to the animals…

By Penny Pitcher

Goat goes maaa, turkey goes glou.

Bird goes tweet, and horse goes neigh.

Donkeys say hi-han, and chickens go cluck, and the pig goes oink oink oink.

But there's one sound that no one knows...

WHAT DOES THE BUNNY SAY?

Here's a perfect way to find out - visit the Beacon Hill Children's Farm where you can mingle with Thomas and Henrietta Turkey, Donny and Osmond Alpaca, Peanut Butter Mini Horse, Sweet Pea Pot Bellied Pig, Taffy and Opal Donkeys and oh, so many more. 

The Children's Farm has a really interesting history. The "Beacon Hill Park Zoo" opened in 1889 with six deer, a bear, a wolf, sheep, an eagle, two swans and pheasants. For the next 100 years, a range of mammals and captive birds were put on display. Their cages, pens, pits and aviaries were located in different spots of the Park in different years. Deer were among the first to arrive and, literally, last to leave. 

Through the years, people in Victoria became convinced that it was not appropriate to hold large mammals in small cages. Therefore, the number of mammals in captivity in the Park began to decline in the 1920's and 1930's and dipped even further in the 1960's and 1970's. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals in cages were more acceptable to the public than larger wild animals. The City regularly traded exotic birds with zoos in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver and Calgary. 

In 1973, the "Children's Farmyard" (also called "Garry Oak Farm" or "The Children's Petting Zoo") officially opened in the same area as the deer enclosure, east of Circle Drive parking lot. Having made the transition to small animals and birds, Park staff took over running the Farm until 1985 when it was privatized. Dennis and Lynda Koenders and family continue to run the operation today, in conjunction with the Beacon Hill Farm Society.

Lynda and Dennis talk about every animal by name, understand their foibles and weaknesses, and offer unconditional love, care, and attention. This love extends to animals that owners no longer want. Once upon a time, the couple never knew what they might find abandoned on their doorstep, but their Open Door Policy has them finding homes for guinea pigs, rabbits etc. that people bring in, no longer able, or willing, to care for them. And if the Koenders cannot find a home, they will put the pet owner in contact with those who can further assist.

One of the highlights of the Petting Farm is the Goat Stampede. Originally scheduled for evenings as a diplomatic means of tearing people away from the animals at closing time, the event proved so popular that it now takes place at opening as well. Visitors line the paths, clapping and cheering, as the goats make a beeline from barn to corral and vise versa. And since goats can give birth year round, the Koenders have also set up an adoption process, the requirements of which are rigorous enough, including a home visit, to ensure that the goats are going to be "forever pets" and well cared for. 

The Petting Farm has four full-time and four part-time staff - and veterinary assistance for "blood and needles" - but Lynda and Dennis are there every single day doing, in Lynda's words, "...what we do best..." In addition, a dedicated team of Volunteers clean the barns, feed the animals, groom the animals, answer visitors' questions etc. This provides invaluable work experience for many, looks great on a resume, and is a plain fun thing to do. More than a few parents have come back to thank the Koenders for giving their children such an opportunity. One boy wanted to be a vet, yet hated the sight of blood and needles. Through his work at the Petting Farm, he overcame that fear and is now, indeed, a vet. Another young girl was terrified of talking to people but found her voice when it came to speaking up for the animals.  She is now a lawyer.

It may be named "Beacon Hill Children's Farm" but, in fact, some days the seniors outnumber the children - two grandparents with one toddler between them. But then, who doesn't like to sit down and have a baby goat snuggle in your lap, or have an emu try to give you a kiss? Lynda and Dennis want everyone to feel as though they are visiting "a friend's farm." Their very obvious passion for what they do, and their love of all the animals in their care, ensure a warm and friendly welcome for everyone at the "Beacon Hill Children's Farm." 

Open Daily from 10 until 5. Admission by Donation.