Spring Arrives Early at Leesburg Animal Park

In the past few weeks, four lambs, two baby goats and a Sicilian donkey foal were born at the Leesburg Animal Park. More baby animals are expected in the upcoming months including ducklings, chicks, calves and piglets. 

“Spring is an exciting time of year for us at the animal park," said Director Shirley Johnson. "The baby animals are so much fun to interact with, for our customers and the animal keepers."

Park Manager Nicola Alicandro said that, occasionally, spring babies are born during the day while customers are visiting the park. It's an unforgettable experience for the guests, she said.

The Leesburg Animal Park will open its doors on March 17 for the 2012 season. Activities at the park include animal petting and feeding, exotic animal exhibits, pony rides and wagon rides. 

This year, the park is offering a new “Explorer” wagon ride that allows guests to feed the animals from the wagon. Special events planned this season include an Easter Egg Hunt on April 7 and 8, monthly Fishing Derbies and Spring Animal Fest in which you can help shear animals such as sheep and llamas.   

Visitors can also attend live animal encounters where they can enjoy bottle feeding a baby goat or lamb, meeting an African-crested porcupine or hand-feeding a lorikeet parrot, among other things.

The Leesburg Animal Park is located at 19270 James Monroe Highway. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $8.50 for children (under 2 are FREE), $10.50 for adults and $6.50 for pre-scheduled school groups of 15 or more. Visit www.leesburganimalpark.com for more details.