Fresh New Faces To Meet At Kensington Farm Center

BRIGHTON (WWJ) - Kensington Metroparks have witnessed the coming of fresh new animals, which means it's time to take a trip to meet the newest animals at the farm.

From a two-ton gentle giant to tiny pink piglets, there are new friendly faces to meet at Kensington Metropark's Farm Center, near Milford/Brighton.

Yoder, a 10-year old dappled grey percheron gelding, now reigns as the biggest draft horse at the farm.  Standing at 18 hands high, and weighing around 2,000 pounds, he is already teamed up with Charlie, the second-largest horse at the farm, to give horse-drawn wagon rides. Ellie and Larry Bireta, of Highland, loaned Yoder to the farm for three months, and he's a perfect fit, according to Debbie Cavallaro, supervising farm interpreter.

"He came from an Amish farm, and he's old school, he knows it all when it comes to pulling a wagon or other farm equipment," said Cavallaro.  "He's exactly what we needed."

Yoder is friendly, and good with kids. He, along with Charlie, are one of three teams of horses that will be giving wagon rides weekends, noon – 4 pm, and daily from December 26 through New Year's Day.

With white fur and pink eyes, Peppermint is a new addition in the barn.  With extra fur around her nape, this lion-head bunny joins Sandy, a Flemish giant rabbit.

But the biggest attention-grabber in the barn is Sugar, the sow, and her nine piglets.  Born Saturday, November 17, the piglets can be seen snuggling together to nap when not feeding.  Five more sows are due from now until spring.

Kensington Metropark Farm Center, located near Milford/Brighton, is open 9 am to 6 pm daily. For more information, call 248-684-8632.