Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:51:00 IST
Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo open the gates to reveal the new Family Farm
It's officially Ireland's smallest farm but its set to become the most popular as Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo open the gates to reveal Family Farm, an acre of fun that represents an island of farming. Bringing a lot of country to a little part of Dublin’s city centre, Family Farm is an eagerly awaited joint venture that Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo have been working on for the past two years.
The original aim was simple - to communicate the importance of agriculture to the 900,000 visitors that pass through Dublin Zoo every year. However, this re-developed, interactive and impressive new site exceeds all expectations. The farm which cost €1.5million to build was made possible with the financial support of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Bord Bia, IFAC and FBD.
Opened by Leo Oosterweghel, Director of Dublin Zoo and Agri Aware Chairman, Mairead Lavery with a little help from celebrity mum Lorraine Keane, Family Farm was a hive of activity today.
Naturally the main attraction was the new farm animals. Agri Aware searched the length and breadth of the country for animals who have that 'Farm Factor' and children scrambled to see the new beef cow and calf, the ewe with her four little lambs, the Weaner and Tamworth pigs, pygmy goats as well as geese and hens. The real highlight however, was the dairy cow when she made her first public milking.
However, she isn't the only milking cow on the farm. Family Farm now has a life sized model cow that children can milk themselves which is just one of the fixtures on the farm that promotes active learning. The new farm playground captures children's imagination with model animals, which will keep many little farmers entertained for hours.
Leo Oosterweghel, Director of Dublin Zoo says, "The opening of any new area in the Zoo is always really exciting. The farm though is particularly special, holding, as it does, so many precious memories for visitors young and old. We know this wonderful, interactive, child friendly and educational Farm will be another great addition to Dublin Zoo and we look forward to seeing the happy reactions of our visitors."
Agri Aware Chairman, Mairead Lavery commented, "Agri Aware's sole mission for the last 14 years has been to communicate the importance of agriculture to the Irish public. What better place in the country to do this than Dublin Zoo? It has taken two years to make our dream a reality but we are absolutely elated by the finished farm and we thank Dublin Zoo for embarking on such a project with us. Today is just the beginning of our journey and we look forward to the many years of enjoyment and learning that the Irish public will experience in Family Farm."
IFA President, John Bryan said "IFA are proud to be one the leading sponsors of the redevelopment of Family Farm in Dublin Zoo. This wonderful initiative will highlight the importance of agriculture and food production to Ireland and help to inform the public about the everyday work of Irish farmers in providing high quality produce."
Dan Browne, Bord Bia Chairman commented, "It is so important to understand where food comes from and the efforts that farmers go to ensure that the food they produce is of the highest standards. Bord Bia is proud to be part of Family Farm where this message is communicated to Irish families and children everyday."
Finally, Lorraine Keane who helped officially open the Zoo said, "As a mother, I’m delighted to be here today. Family Farm is such a great addition to Dublin Zoo and the first place I'll be stopping into with my girls on our frequent visits."