For Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware, based near Frankford, spring is typically a busy season, with staff presenting educational programs to area schools. It also serves as a time to raise funds to support the animals, programs and staff.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all school visits have been canceled. Co-owner Josh Mueller said staff had to come up with another way to provide outreach to the community and also raise money. Car-E-Safari was born. “It’s a safe way for families to see our animals during the quarantine,” he said. “From a safe distance, residents can drive through, seeing some of our animal ambassadors.”
The first event took place April 26 at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes. Mueller said they hope to return to Crooked Hammock and add other locations. He said 71 vehicles took part in the drive-through April 26.
On hand at the first event were Zoey, a Eurasian eagle owl; Charlie, a two-toed sloth; Rufus, a young red kangaroo; Quillow, a Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine; and Peaches, a Brazilian three-banded armadillo.
Participants are asked to purchase a sponsor kit containing an animal plush, certificate of adoption, reusable straw and a bracelet, to help with funding the animals’ feeding and care.
For more information, go to www.barnhillpreserve.com or phone 302-829-1548.