Petting Zoos and Animal Farms have
become popular attractions for families with young
children as part of a
Whether these exhibits are part of a zoo
or a working farm, children can learn a great deal about
nature and animals while having fun at the same time.
We offer some tips to ensure that
families and children can enjoy a visit to a petting zoo
safely.
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Wash
hands frequently and especially prior to eating - See Tips from Safe
Kids Canada for Washing Hands. Click here to learn how to Reduce the
risk of exposure of the E. coli Bacteria. Also see Tips on Washing Hands to Avoid Germs.
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Supervise children closely - farms can
pose the risk of sharp objects, broken or lose wire
fencing, farm machinery and ponds are just a few of
the concerns to be aware of.
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Supervise young children when using restroom
facilities - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
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Teach children to only feed the
animals with food supplied by the farm and follow
staff instructions. In most cases, placing the
food on a flat palm works well.
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Obey signs and check with staff before
entering any animal enclosures. Keep children
away from animals' feet and fingers away from animal
cages unless feeding under your watchful eyes.
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Practice sun
safety.
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Many petting zoos and children's farms
have playgrounds. See Playground Safety Tips.
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Children with severe bee allergies
should ensure that an Epi-Pen handy and an adult
should be familiar with it's use.
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See Amusement
Park Tips for more safety information.
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Know what to do in the event of an
insect sting. See First Aid Tips for Insect Stings.
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Be aware if children have severe
allergies - see Travel Safety Tips - Severe Allergic Reactions
REDUCE THE RISK OF
EXPOSURE TO E.COLI BACTERIA
Of an utmost concern when visiting a
petting zoo or animal exhibit is the possibility of the
transmission of E. coli, a bacteria that can cause diarrhea
(including bloody diarrhea), stomach upset, vomitting,
fever and even hospitalization in severe cases.
Tips to reduce the risk of exposure to
the E.coli bacteria:
-
Become aware of which animals pose the
greatest risk of transmitting the bacteria - examples
include calves, pigs, young poultry, animal feces, raw
eggs, raw milk and sick animals.
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Wash hands immediately after handling,
patting or feeding animals and before any food
consumption. Carry antibacterial wipes for
convenience. If handwashing facilities are used,
supervise children under 5 carefully.
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Avoid communal basins for handwashing.
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Supervise young children
closely. Children under five are more
susceptible to the bacteria. Teach children not
to put anything in their mouth during the visit,
including fingers, pacifiers that may have fallen on
the ground, toys and any animal feed.
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Never allow the consumption of raw
milk.
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Avoid any food or beverage consumption
near any animal interaction areas or prior to washing
hands.
All tips are offered as suggestions
only. While we have tried to provide you with a list
of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of
parents to ensure their children’s safety.
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For additional tips also see:
For Amusement Park Tips Click Below
Keep the Bugs at Bay, Eight Tips for a Bug Free Summer
Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
Tips on Washing Hands to Avoid Germs
For First Aid Tips about Insect Stings
Click Below:
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Safety Tips Click
on
For Car Safety Tips Click on
For
Hotel and Hotel Room Safety Tips Click on
For Winter Holiday Safety Tips Click on
For Playground Safety Tips Click on
For Pool and Beach Safety Tips Click
on
For Fire Safety Tips Click on
For Kids Club Safety Tips Click on
For Biking Safety Tips Click on
For Sun Safety Tips Click on
For First Aid Tips Click on
For Safety Tips for Using Public Washrooms Click on
For Safety Tips - Severe Allergic
Reactions Click on
For In-line Skating Safety Tips Click on
For Tips on Buying Safe Toys Click
Below:
For Seasonal Holiday
Safety Tips Click Below:
You may also want to check out
Travel
News - Safety Issues
Click below to return to Travel Safety Tips
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