definition
strict definition
petting zoo
Related terms: children's zoo
An animal exhibit where visitors may touch and sometimes hold the tame or domesticated animals displayed.
A petting zoo is a special type of exhibit where visitors can pet and sometimes hold the animals on display. The animals are generally very tame or domesticated, and may include rabbits, goats, sheep, rodents, pigs, ponies, and other animals suitable for contact with children.
Visitor contact with the animals is the distinguishing feature. Holding an animal is possible but is not required at every petting exhibit.
The display can include several suitable species. An enclosure viewed only from outside a barrier does not establish the invited touching that defines a petting zoo.
