The Children’s Farm at Whipsnade

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is full of exotic and wonderful species, and even the children’s farm is home to a few unusual residents.

The children’s farm is a great little enclave where you and the kids can experience a slightly unusual taste of traditional country life.

Alongside some of your more typical breeds, such as horses, cows, turkeys and donkeys, there are one or two more unusual characters browsing around, alpacas, llamas and some rather royal goats.

New to the children's farm are Tizer and Tarka the poitou donkeys, both just a year old they are already the size of a large pony. This breed is bigger than your average donkey and will be the size of a shire horse when fully grown.

Known as the Queen’s goat, the group of five are Windsor white goats and as well as being the regimental mascot for the Welsh guard, the initial British herd is thought to have consisted of some animals presented to Queen Victoria by the Shah of Persia.

The alpacas and llamas are always a popular choice with the kids, both originating from Central America they are herd animals and therefore enjoy a bit of a social should you be passing!