Arche Warder, Part 1

Although it is fall and mid-october the weather is still nice and even warm. So we went to Arche Warder today. It is not a normal zoo with exotic animals but with domestic animal breeds that are endangered. We love going there. It is so much fun.

"Mom, let's hurry up to see all the animals!"

It is a big area, with all kind of sheep, pigs, cows, horses, goats and geese. And others.

The first we met were some goats.

Then there were funny piglets with stripes. You can see them in the back.

The Turopolje-pigs were nit bathing today, so we could have a closer look at them.

Those pigs love swimming and diving.

On we went to the Poitou-donkeys. They are big! They were used for breeding mules.

This is a mare with her almost grown-up mule foal.

"Mom, won't you pick some pumpkins? They are ripe, I think."

"Turkeys! I wonder if they will be big enough to Thanksgiving? We could send some to our friends in the US or Canada?"

"Mom, there are kobolds living here, too! Because here are mushrooms!"

More Poitou-donkeys. They look so fluffy...

"They take cows for a walk? Why do they do that?" It's to get them used to encouter visitors and stay calm. Otherwise they are too shy.

"Let's feed the sheep!"

The cows have large meadows.

"Mom, he wants to taste me!" Now, he's just giving you a kiss.

"You want a kiss, too?"

Here we meet swedish pigs, the breed is called Linderöd-pig. They come from southern Sweden.

The Bezoar-goat is the wild goat from which our domestic goats were bred. They live together with Mufflon-sheep, which are the origin of all domestic sheep breeds.

You can still see the likeness.

A view over the landscape or: The Perfect Place For A Picnic. Later, my dear.

First we have to pass The Very Hungry Sheep. It was really very hungry and greedy. As if there wasn't enough gras growing around.

Then we had lunch on a bench.

"What's next?"

More cows. Those are Longhorns.

And more pigs. Bentheimer pigs and...

Mangalitza-Woolpig. They've got really looooong hair!

Tirol-Stonesheep are a very old breed. Maybe the sheep in the Stone Age looked similar.

Today was Stone Age-day. Archeologists have brought lots of bones with them to show what they find hidden in the ground.

One could buy Stone Age-lighters. Very cool.

This guy made sharp flint knives. They are so sharp! They cut leather so easily.

The stools were quite different then, but the sheepskin rug is very comfy.

In the Stone Age men were hunting with bows and arrows.

"I want to meet more sheep and goats!"

This is a hungarian Zackelsheep. Their horns are very beautiful.

And here is a male Thuringerwald-goat. They were bred to give milk.

"He is hungry! Come on, I'll feed you!"

Ouessant-sheep are the smallest sheep breed. They are tiny! So sweet!

Here are geese and ducks.

This is Sir Goose, a member of geese-y High Society.

And this goose has curly feathers. Mom's Hubbie says they look like an exploded pillow...

Yes, somehow...

"Look, more mushrooms! I'm sure that kobolds live here. Do you think we might catch one and bring him home?" That's no good idea, I'm sure thy don't like to be catched.