The farm at Shrub Oak International School is a special place, where our sweet, four-legged (and feathered!) residents are eager to be your friend – especially if you have yummy treats for them! Each of our farm friends has their own personality and charm, and our students love spending time with them. While of course there are numerous therapeutic benefits associated with animal care, it’s also just plain fun. And there is also a lot to be said about the unconditional friendship of a donkey or a pot-bellied pig! Our farm animals bring joy and offer companionship. They are more than just residents—they’re part of our fuzzy, furry, feathered family.
Meet the Minis: Tater & Tot
Let’s start with Tater, our 23-year-old miniature donkey. Tater is the ultimate farm gossip, always in the know about everyone’s business—just look at his big ears, which are full of secrets! You might hear Tater before you see him, thanks to his signature donkey song that echoes across the farm. He’s the elder statesman of the Minis and wears his years with pride.
Next up is Tot, a 24-year-old miniature horse who might just be the sweetest creature you’ll ever meet. Tot is all about the cuteness, and she knows it. She’s also got a flair for fashion, especially when Halloween rolls around—her bumblebee costume was the talk of the barn last year.
The Pigs: Oscar & Meyer
Our dynamic pig duo, Oscar and Meyer, are as inseparable as their names suggest. Three-year-old Oscar is the ultimate snacker, always on the lookout for a tasty treat. But if you thought he was quick to the trough, you haven’t met Meyer. This speedy pig is not only fast but also has a knack for sneaking a bite of Oscar’s snacks when he’s not looking. Despite their food rivalry, they’re the best of buddies, especially when it’s time for belly rubs.
Bouncing Bunnies: Hazel & Spunky
Hop on over to meet Hazel and Spunky, our two-year-old bunnies. Hazel loves a good morning hangout with the chickens and has a particular fondness for kale. She’s a social butterfly in the bunny world. On the other hand, Spunky is a bit more reserved, often found hiding in cozy nooks. But don’t let his shyness fool you—his carrot obsession and stylish bunny mohawk make him stand out in any crowd.
The Duck Squad: Spaghetti, Meatball, Cheese, Quackers, Firequacker, Bonnie & Clyde
Our ducks bring a splash of fun to the farm with their diverse personalities. Spaghetti, the 8-month-old Fawn and White Runner, is a bit of a rebel, often caught breaking into the chicken coop. Meatball, his Blue Swedish accomplice, is a self-proclaimed water connoisseur, though Cheese, the bossy Jumbo Pekin, might argue otherwise.
Then there’s Quackers, who loves nothing more than a good swim and definitely knows his name. Firequacker, a Welsh Harlequin, is the speedster of the group, living up to his name with lightning-fast splashes. Finally, Bonnie and Clyde, our Silver Appleyards, love playing the ultimate swap game, confusing everyone with their identical looks and playful antics.
Clucking Good Time: Meet Our Chickens
No farm is complete without a flock of chickens! Not only do they provide us with fresh eggs, but they also bring a bit of prehistoric flair to the farm. Did you know that chickens are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs? It’s true! Next time you’re watching our hens promenade around the yard, imagine them as tiny, feathered descendants of the mighty T. rex.
Speaking of eggs, here’s a fun fact: the color of a chicken’s egg is determined by its breed. Whether you see a white, brown, or even a blue-tinted egg, it all comes down to genetics.
And of course, our chickens have names that reflect their nurturing personalities. Tender, Loving, and Care – three hens who are as sweet as their names suggest – add a whole lot of warmth and affection to our farm, making sure everyone feels right at home.
Goats: Clover, Poppy, Lily, Daisy, Blossom, Ike & Mike
Our goats are a lively bunch, each with their own story. Clover, who was recently awarded “Most Improved During Mealtimes,” has come a long way with her table manners. Poppy is quite the socialite. Lily, their matriarch, has mastered the art of the side-eye, especially when her kids get too rowdy.
Daisy has big dreams of visiting Dollywood one day, while Blossom is a fan of the TV show “Blossom”—and yes, she even has the hat to prove it! Meanwhile, Ike has Hollywood aspirations, dreaming of starring in a movie. And let’s not forget Mike, who has a special bond with Farmer Emily, making him her favorite.
Each animal is more than a resident; they are part of the vibrant, supportive community that helps our students thrive. We can’t wait to welcome more Farm Friends to Shrub Oak and continue to witness the magic they make happen on campus!
