Library branch hosts petting zoo

SOUTH POINT — Visitors to the South Point branch of the Briggs Lawrence Public Library were able to see animals of all kinds on Wednesday.

The BARKer Farm, a local mobile petting zoo, set up at the site, bringing a camel, a llama, a baby skunk, a zebu and more with them to meet the large crowd that turned out, despite the rainy weather and downpours.

The petting zoo is run by Kate and Tony Barker, who also own the BARKer Shop, a pet grooming business in Ironton.

The couple, along with Tony’s parents, Deb and Terry Barker, launched the petting zoo in the past year, taking animals to locations within the area, as well as hosting events at the farm.

“We have a great turnout,” Jan Gullett, youth librarian, said of Wednesday’s event.

Kate Barker said this was typical of when they travel to an event.

One of the newest additions to their collection of animals was Einstein, a baby skunk.

“He’s about 12 weeks old,” she said.

They also had a dromedary camel, goats, a cow and a wallaby they purchased last year, as well as a Patagonian cavy.

“He’s one of the largest rodents,” she said of the cavy.

Kate said they will be setting up the zoo at South Point’s Party in the Park on Saturday,  July 7, as well as during Family Fun Day at the Lawrence County Fair on Tuesday, July 10.