De Koperen Ezel, Petting zoo in Epe, the Netherlands
De Koperen Ezel is a petting zoo in Epe, in the Dutch province of Gelderland, located along the Koperenmolenweg. The grounds hold over 40 donkeys alongside other animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, chickens, sheep, wallabies, and a dromedary.
De Koperen Ezel grew over time from a simple donkey farm into a full family day-out destination. The on-site restaurant, De Vrolijke Boer, and the indoor play area were added as the farm expanded its offer for visitors.
Visitors at De Koperen Ezel can brush and feed the donkeys, which is a hands-on experience that children tend to remember long after the visit. Bringing old bread or vegetables from home to feed the animals is an accepted and encouraged habit here.
Wearing clothes that can get dirty is strongly advisable, as contact with animals and outdoor play are central to the visit. On rainy days, the large indoor play area called Donkey Town provides a full alternative so the outing is not affected by the weather.
Alongside the expected farm animals, the grounds also shelter porcupines, Patagonian maras, prairie dogs, Sika deer, a zebu, and a zebra, which most visitors do not expect to find at a petting zoo. A covered wagon ride pulled by a donkey through the surrounding meadows can also be booked, with a stop for a picnic along the way.
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