Green Chimneys Welcomes Scottish Highland Calf

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November 14, 2018

September 12, 2017

Welcome Fiona! Nearly 3 weeks ago friends from a nearby farm donated a beautiful Scottish Highland calf to Green Chimneys. Soon to turn 4-months-old, Fiona’s growth and development is under close watch by Green Chimneys staff. Students have already begun to participate in her daily care and training.

As a therapeutic day school steeped in nature-based education, providing students with special needs opportunities to be a part of new life, to study biology in class and on the farm, enhances learning. By being involved in the calf’s direct care it is hoped that students will transfer these skills when tending to their own pets at home and when nurturing positive relationships with peers and adults. And since Fiona’s joining the farm during our bustling summer camp season, children throughout the community are meeting and learning about her – and they’re quickly widening her fan base.

Enjoy a few Fiona fun facts:

Locks that rock: As Fiona grows, her hair will follow, transforming her current “fuzzy” appearance into a long, wavy coat. This is one of Scottish Highland’s most distinctive features.

Fiona was born on St. Patrick’s Day! She’s not the only member of our farm to have a March 17 birthday; Jersey cow Paddy and Bactrian camel Phoenix were also born on this day.

You can meet her: The Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Center is free and open to the public on weekends from 10am – 3pm. Learn More

Gracie & Reba

Donkeys Gracie and Reba have been residents of the farm since 1996 and are particularly valuable partners for the children because they offer immediate feedback on behavior. They are patient, shy and headstrong but because donkeys only acknowledge humans who appear calm, this pair helps children learn the skills necessary to approach them gently and quietly. Gracie and Reba also have an extraordinary bond and have difficulty being apart so students must keep this in mind, even for basic tasks such as walking them. If the donkeys lose sight of each other they will start calling to one another so students work together to make sure the pair can see each other for their entire journey outside.