Champaign’s Prairie Farm has enjoyed a bit of baby fever in the past few weeks, thanks to the unexpected birth of a baby donkey and the addition of a baby calf. And there’s nothing cuter than babies.
On Friday, July 20, Pudding — a grey donkey — gave birth to a baby girl, which came as a bit of a surprise to the staff at Prairie Farm. According to the vet, pregnant Pudding had at least two more months to go until her baby arrived, but evidently that prediction was erroneous.
Pudding birthed the baby while staff were present, a lucky turn of events for all involved. According to witnesses, it took just two minutes for the foal to be born. She has already been named Peach.
Peach is staying very close to her mama these days – and her mama is near her at all times. It is a challenge to see her up close. We saw her best from the back of the petting zoo area; at one point she was lying by a fence that was best viewed from outside Prairie Farm. The donkey/miniature horse pen is fairly deep, but be patient – while she slept most of the time we were there, she did get up from her nap to nurse.
The brown calf (a baby cow) is less than two months old and has been at the farm for a couple of weeks, according to staff. Dexter sometimes will make appearances in the petting zoo area, but has a rambunctious streak that and is a bit hyper, so it’s not a given that he will be available for petting. He is sponsored by the St. Louis District Dairy Council.
Prairie Farm will be open through August 13.
More info on Prairie Farm (link)
WHAT/WHERE:Prairie Farm, 2202 West Kirby Avenue, Champaign
IF YOU GO:
The Farm is open to the public daily from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The petting area is open daily from 3-5 p.m.; wear your closed-toe shoes, or bring some with you – there are NO exceptions. It’s recommended that parents accompany smaller children into the petting area, so remember your own closed-toe shoes as well as your kiddos.
COST: FREE, donations are accepted.
PARKING: AVAILABLE in two areas, free.
Prairie Farm is a program of the Champaign Park District.