Meet The Owners

Darby Acres Farm is a family-run petting zoo, started by husband and wife team, Dwayne and Jennifer; they named the "farm” after their daughter, Darby. Their mutual genuine love for animals found them adopting, rescuing and caring for many animals on their property; many of whom they have raised since birth. They truly enjoy the love from all of their animals and take pride in nurturing animals back to health.

“This is our family’s labor of love, done strictly for the fun and the joy it brings us in working as a team and having such a great time teaching and learning empathy together. “ We simply want to share the happiness of our wonderful animals with those who would like to meet them and enjoy their company as we do.” - Jen & Dwayne

"We genuinely love animals and are strong advocates for animal education, encouraging all to continue to educate generations on the importance of all animals and how they affect our lives." - Jen & Dwayne

Meet The Darby Acres Team

Maddy

"Working at, and now managing Darby Acres is truly a dream come true. There is no one else like Jen, Dwyane, and Darby. The compassion, dedication, and love they have for their work is admirable and I am proud to get to work for them and to care for their animals. I have built lifelong bonds with the whole team at Darby Acres and with all the wonderful animals we care for. There is truly no place I would rather be. If I am not at the zoo you can find my at my families sub shop (Sandwich Max), pottery classes, or with my personal pets at the lake." -Maddy (Darby Acres Head Zookeeper and Manager)

Alaina

"Working with and alongside animals has always been a life goal of mine. As an animal activist as well it can be challenging navigating ethicality, but Darby Safari has taught me so much about the humane, and empathetic treatment of animals. Love surrounds everything we do out here, and I have come to forge fulfilling and life long friendships both human and animal. Not to mention, we have fun everyday out here prioritizing animal wellness, and our guests experience. Other than animal rearing I personally enjoy a variety of animation, traveling, punk rock music, and my three kitties." -Alaina Eyler (Lead Tour Guide / Zookeeper)

Faith

"For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep passion for animals. Working here at Darby Safari has allowed me the opportunity to deepen this passion and take part in following my dreams. Finding my home here has given me the unique opportunity to create strong bonds with both incredible humans and animals, while learning something new every day. Caring for the variety of animals here at Darby Safari is giving me hands on tools to help me as I complete my Animal Science degree. I spend my free time outside of zoo bartending various bars Uptown, listening to Taylor Swift on repeat or taking a trip up the mountain to hike with my two sweet dogs, Tuukka and Pepper." - Faith Ann (Tour Guide / Zookeeper)

WE ARE USDA LICENSED

This means that our animals are certified as healthy, and all required vaccinations are up to date. The quarters for the animals are inspected for cleanliness and safety. USDA inspection occurs regularly, so that you may be assured of a healthy, well cared for, and tame petting zoo for your tour/ event. Darby Acres Farm exceeds all USDA requirements for our animal's care, nutrition, transportation, cleanliness and living. You may be surprised to learn that all businesses that have animals for parties, or to be shown to the public must be licensed and monitored by the USDA. This means we are subject to pop inspections on our farm and in the field to be sure our animals are being properly cared for and are healthy. Exotic Animals are captive bred.