By Myra Mulongoti, Editor
Don’t worry, it wasn’t a hallucination from finals stress, there actually was an alpaca outside Humanities. The third annual SGA Petting Zoo took place on Tuesday, April 29 on the Great Lawn. Beginning during common hour, the event featured goats, a pig, an alpaca, a mini cow and other fun treats and activities such as free cotton candy and glitter tattoos. The petting zoo is designed to be a morale boost for students during a stressful part of the semester.
Kate Mahoney, senior Musical Theatre major and head of SGA’s Events Committee, discussed the origins of the event.
“I’m the creator of the petting zoo. I brought the idea up jokingly because Ailer [Thomas], who is now SGA president but wasn’t two years ago, said we had some money to burn and could plan whatever event we wanted. I joked, ‘How about a petting zoo?” Mahoney shared.
Mahoney is an animal-lover and thought the petting zoo would be a good idea for a fun animal-based spring activity that fosters a better environment on campus and boosts morale.
Naturally, the event has grown in scale with time. Mahoney discussed the event’s growth and this year’s additions.
“Our first year, we weren’t sure how many people would show up, so we kept things a bit smaller. Our inflatable obstacle course was smaller, and we ordered less popcorn and cotton candy because we didn’t want it to go to waste. But it was a huge success.” Mahoney said. “Last year, we got a bigger obstacle course and more food. This year, we’re actually hiring a second glitter tattoo artist, balloon animals, and face painting. We also ordered more food, and we’ve got an awesome bouncy obstacle course,” she explained.
While the snacks and activities add to the event, the real stars of the show are, of course, the animals. Mahoney explained how SGA partners with a local rescue organization to bring the animals to campus.
“We work with the same company we’ve used the past two years, Steppin’ Out Ponies. They rescue animals, and when we pay them to bring the animals here, that money helps with their care,” Mahoney explained. “Typically, they bring goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and we pay extra for a pig and a mini cow. We also pay for an alpaca or sometimes a llama,” she shared.
With all the fun and cheer of the event, however, a common concern among attendees was the well-being of the animals. Senior education and psychology major Yanelia Fernandez admitted she was initially unsure about how the animals were being treated.
“Honestly, at first I got kind of worried because just seeing the animals out there, I was like, are they getting taken care of well?” she said. “But I learned from someone that they’re all rescue animals and that there are people there for the animals if they get overstimulated or overwhelmed.”
Sophomore education major Jada Hinds shared a similar concern, especially given the warm weather.
“I was worried about the cow that they had and the pig, because pigs can’t really sweat and it was pretty hot out, I just felt bad for it,” she said.
According to Mahoney, those concerns are taken seriously. She explained that SGA works with Steppin’ Out Ponies to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals.
“Most of the responsibility for the animals’ safety goes to Steppin’ Out Ponies, since they know the animals best. We just ask everyone to be respectful,” Mahoney said. “The animals are very used to crowds and are well taken care of by the owners. You can tell the company really cares about them,” she explained.
Despite initial concerns, many students leave the event feeling happy. Hinds shared more of her experience at the event.
“It was common hour, and my class was in Humanities [Hall]. As soon as I walked out, it was right in front of me. I was with some friends, so I was like, okay, let’s go. It was a good experience. I got there pretty early, so the lines weren’t too long for the free cotton candy. The animals were really cute. My favorite was the alpaca,” she shared.
Fernandez had a similarly joyful experience at the event and discussed how she believes the event helps the school community.
“I was grabbing lunch with my friend, and I saw the animals. I got really excited because I really like alpacas, and I just like animals in general,” Fernandez said. “I think it brings people together, unintentionally, even. On campus, especially during finals, things can feel isolating and overwhelming. Events like this help break that up. You see people you wouldn’t normally see, and it’s a good way to bring the community together,” she explained.
Mahoney echoed this thought from Fernandez.
“I think [the petting zoo] resonates with students because there’s this innate joy we get when we see animals in unexpected places,” Mahoney said. “When people come out of class and see a bunch of goats on the Great Lawn, it just makes everyone excited. With the weather getting nicer, everyone’s in a better mood, and I think people really appreciate the fun vibe it brings to campus,” she added.
As the semester reaches its most stressful point during finals season, the SGA Petting Zoo offers a moment of fun and relaxation. It is quickly becoming a favorite spring tradition for students at Post.
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