It might have been day or night, it’s unclear, but in August, the monsoon rains and wind wreaked havoc on Ghost Ranch Exotics and Funny Foot Farm. Now, they must rebuild. Reflecting on how we first came together is a more pleasant experience.
Have you ever had the experience of sharing a hotel room with a capybara? I have, and while it was a lot of fun, it came with its share of challenges. Georgi brought Mia the capybara to a BlogPaws conference near Las Vegas, where most attendees had their dogs and cats. I doubt the hotel staff expected a capybara, but there she was.
- Melanie and Mia
- Mia and Georgi
- Stacy and Mia
Although there was a large outdoor space for the dogs and capybaras, Mia also spent time indoors. That was the highlight.
- Mia is the center of attention.
- Georgi discretely feeds Mia from the buffet.
- Melanie sneaks some salad to Mia.
But by “indoors,” I don’t just mean the dining and common areas.
Mia tests the bathtub. She took baths on and off all day long.
- Mia tests the bed.
- Oopsie daisie.
- Mia helps Melanie take a photo of her gigantic check!
A few years later, Melanie Typaldos and I traveled to Arizona for another BlogPaws event. We paid a visit to Georgi, Mia, Ken MacNeil, and their friends at their home, which served as the precursor to the original Funny Foot Farm.
- Lots of capybaras.
- They are what we’re here for.
- Georgi hands out treats.
- She guides them over to the spa where they spend their time.
- These affordable plastic pools are a favorite among capybaras.
- They also enjoy larger pools and mudholes, but these are the top choice.
- Let’s see if the dog can get them into the pool.
- Alright, one is ready to move on.
Notice how they favor the smaller wading pools over the larger swimming pool. It’s interesting, isn’t it?
- Absolutely stunning!
- Melanie joins the capybaras in their large pool.
- Time for a little dive!
- Where’s the poop?
- Follow the leader!
- Capybaras are everywhere.
- Capybaras having fun.
- Melanie gives her approval.
The images above are from the original site. Funny Foot Farm had relocated to a new facility which unfortunately was sold out from under them. Recently, they moved to a new location and were setting up again when strong monsoon rains and wind struck. Some animals managed to escape, but most have been recovered.
- Oh, my goodness!
- Oh no, not again!
Here are a few articles detailing the storm damage they faced. Feel free to check out their fundraiser link.
Georgi and I connected through our shared love for capybaras. Over the years, I have watched her collection grow and transform. If you’re a fan of capybaras, her petting zoo in Arizona offers one of the finest capybara experiences outside of a zoo. If you really love capybaras, perhaps you might consider donating to their rebuilding fund.
Below are several images I borrowed from their site. As you can see, their collection includes more than just capybaras. (Copyright © 2023 Private Exotic Animal Experiences in Tucson)
