On Thursday, Nov. 6, the GCSU Office of Student Engagement hosted the Wildlife Critters Circle of Life Petting Zoo on the library green space, inviting students to relax and enjoy meeting a variety of animals. The event featured barnyard favorites such as goats, chickens, rabbits and pigs, along with more exotic creatures like alligators, hedgehogs, snakes and chinchillas.
Sara Goodelman, the Student Engagement Program Coordinator, organizes the petting zoo once every semester as a way for students to unwind amid the demands of college life.
“I try to bring them around midterms or right before finals, so it’s a big stress reliever for our students,” Goodelman said.
Students were all smiles, snapping photos of hedgehogs in their palms and baby bunnies cradled in their arms. For freshman biology major Katie O’Brien, the petting zoo offered a chance to interact with animals she doesn’t normally get to see up close.
“I love animals, and then I saw all of the kinds of animals they have here, like the bunnies, the pigs, the chickens, the ducks, some animals you can’t touch every day,” O’Brien said. “This is therapy for me.”
While cuddling a baby rabbit, O’Brien confirmed it was definitely the highlight of her day.
“I’ve never seen bunnies and Guinea pigs this small, it’s adorable.” O’Brien said.
The animals were brought by the Wildlife Critters Circle of Life Rehabilitation Center, a sanctuary in Shady Dale dedicated to rescuing animals in need.
According to the center’s website, “Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned native mammals, reptiles, and birds back to their wild habitats. Those that are not able to be released join our education ministry allowing children in the community an opportunity to experience the love, affection and responsibility we have to care for God’s creations.”
While some animals may not be able to return to the wild, they continue to make a difference by offering students hands-on interactions with species they would typically only encounter in a zoo.
“People can see the real animal besides looking on a TV, and they can have a real experience with animals,” said Hoa Ngo, a senior finance major.
Beyond meeting the animals, the petting zoo gave students a chance to enjoy being together and making memories with both furry and human friends.
“I think it really just brings a bunch of people together. People love it, and I also think it’s therapeutic for other people as well,” O’Brien said.
Amid the stresses of midterms and the upcoming finals, spending time outside and engaging with nature allowed students a moment to breathe and remember there’s more to college life than just coursework.
“Maybe they just came from a test that they didn’t do so good on, so I hope as they’re walking away, they feel the weight lifted off after they have petted some animals,” Goodelman said.
A favorite tradition on campus, the event invites students to connect with each other while engaging with wildlife. Even those who are not particularly fond of animals found joy simply because it was an activity they could do with their friends.
“I’m not a big fan of animals, but I come for the fellowship,” Ngo explained.
While she preferred to admire them from a distance, Ngo admitted she enjoyed meeting a few of the wildlife.
“I think the rabbits are the cutest here,” Ngo said.
As the event came to a close, students lingered to take a few last photos and say goodbye to their new four-legged friends. The laughter and smiles across the green made clear that the event had achieved its purpose, creating a time of calm, connection and joy.
As a nonprofit organization, the center relies on donations to provide for its animals and continue its educational outreach. To contribute, visit http://www.wlcritters.com/monetary-donations.html or view the center’s Amazon Wishlist at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25C1GUQHS0BST?ref_=wl_share.