CanExplores

We will always engage in a little occupational therapy during our time out: today was no different. I used my upper body muscles to gain balance and find grounding while pulling on the giant tires. I could run, slide, and use resistance for hand and muscular development. I had time to enjoy some sand play-which is my favorite to help regulate and ground myself while out in public. During the train ride, I also used the time to slow down and focus, which helped to ground me and give me a sense of body awareness and space—meeting my Proprioceptive and Vestibular needs while pulling, pushing, and spinning while feeding the animals and playing on the unique playground.

The different textures, sounds, smells, and sizes also gave me sensory input while enjoying the day at Big Joel’s Safari Petting Zoo. Here are some Tips and Treasures for this trip: -bring cash or be prepared to walk back inside the gift shop (past the snakes) to refill your feeding cup or purchase the Camel ride tickets. -Do not bring a stroller if you can get away from it as the walkway is pebbles/rock, making it a bit difficult and frustrating. -You can go into the petting area with the baby goat- we did not know this, so we stayed outside the fence. -The staff are helpful and very knowledgeable about their animals. -Everyone was polite and helpful. -Check the website for additional attractions like the bounce house, which was not up when we went. -Parking is free.

Big Joel’s Petting Zoo can be found at 13187 State Highway M, Wright City, MO 63390. It is a walk-through petting zoo and Educational area. It has over 60 different animals you can feed, observe, and enjoy. The camel rides were $5.00 at the time of this video, but I felt it was worth the money. The Large cup is also a good investment. They also have a gift shop where you can buy toys and trinkets, hats and tee-shirts for a reminder of your trip, and some snacks. The gift shop and entrance to the Safari have snakes for you who do not like snakes; you may need to enter by the side where the snakes are.