Our Animals
Dillon is the nosiest resident in The Farmyard. He was born on 16th September 2019 and was hand reared by our Livestock Team from just two weeks old.
When visiting Dillon in The Farmyard you’ll see his lovely friend Violet too. Both Dillon and Violet love a nose scratch as you’re passing their pen.
Donkey Fact:
Did you know while horses neigh, donkeys bray?
Minty is one of a number of dairy cows that live here at Willows.
She was born on 25th October 2019 and her full Jersey name is Bluerock Polos Roxy Mintcream – we call her Minty for short.
During your visit you might be lucky enough to see one of our cow milking demonstrations on the Animal Show Stage.
Our cows can be seen in The Farmyard, Animal paddocks and when you’re on Tristan the Tractor ride so keep your eyes peeled.
Cow Fact:
Baby cows are called calves, adult females are called cows, and adult males are called bulls. Most cows only give birth to one baby at a time, but triplets and twins can happen on occasion too.
Our mummy pigs on the farm are Trudy, Penny, Tuppence, Greta, Polly, and Contessa.
All our pregnant sows give birth in The Farmyard so you’ll usually see lots of little piglets running around!
Pig Fact:
The average number of piglets our pigs have is about seven or eight. However, sometimes they can have as many as 17 piglets!
Soffie, our pet sheep is lovingly named after her human Mum Sophie, who works on the Livestock Team. Sophie hand-reared Soffie during lockdown and the pair became best friends.
in early 2023 Soffie had her first set of lambs and has made a brilliant mum. She also made a cameo appearance in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing!
Look out for Soffie in the animal feeding paddocks.
Sheep Fact:
At Willows we have lots of pygmy goats and cross breed goats. Roger is a ***** goat and lives outside in our Animal Paddock.
Why not purchase a bag of animal feed at Admissions so you can feed the goats in The Farmyard as they are always ready for a treat?
Goat Fact:
Dumbo is a giant breed rabbit who arrived at the farm during our Easter Eggstravaganza Event in 2023.
He has become firm farm favourite due to his cheeky personality.
Rabbit Fact:
Yahtzee was born at Willows in August 2017.
We have lots of alpacas throughout Willows, but Yahtzee is the cheekiest of all. He has a great personality, just don’t get too close as Alpacas can spit!
Alpaca Fact:
Alpacas actually belong to the camel family, along with Llamas.
Auckvale Kestral is our Hereford Bull. He is the proud Daddy to all the calves that are born on the farm.
Our main calving season is usually during the summer months – keep your eyes peeled when you’re on the tractor track as this is where our calving takes place.
Hereford Bull Fact:
Hereford Bulls weigh around 1,200 kg – the same weight as a small car!
Mischka Rose is a 7-year-old Alaskan Malamute who has been at Willows since she was a tiny 8 week old puppy. She is very vocal, and her favourite treats are carrots.
Mischka can also do tricks; her favourite trick is to give kisses. During the winter months Mischka has her very own show – she is a real superstar!