Ponies for Hire, a local animal farm and pony riding business, returned to Capital Region BOCES to put on an exciting petting zoo for students at Airline Drive and Maywood academies. 

The petting zoo has become an annual tradition at the schools, which provide quality education programs for students with diverse needs. Located at the Capital Region BOCES Albany campus, Airline Drive Academy serves students in grades kindergarten through eighth, while Maywood Academy serves students in grades K-12.

“Having the animals come visit was a wonderful experience for our students,” said Maywood Academy Assistant Principal Cara Bronner. “Animal visits inspire joy, comfort, and meaningful connection for our learners.”

Susan Mason, owner of Phonies for Hire, set up petting stations that included a pony, donkey, chicks, baby rabbits, and baby goats. 

The petting zoo is a great way for students to unwind, socialize and learn how to handle and care for the animals. During Mason’s presentations, students are allowed to brush the pony and donkey, pet the chicks and rabbits and sit with and hold the baby goats—activities that strengthen their sensory, motor, social-emotional, communication and cognitive skills.

“I think what keeps me going is when a child who normally wouldn’t smile, smiles,” said Mason “Something sparks their interest in the animals and it’s such a therapeutic, relaxing, nice way to break up the day.” 

Natalie Powell, a teaching assistant at Airline, said the event boosts students’ confidence and behavioral health. 

Damon Bieniek, special education teacher at Airline, said his students look forward to the petting zoo every year.

“It’s nice to come out, see the animals and we get to see Mason; the students love it,” he said. “And most importantly, it signifies the end of the school year so everyone is in such a great mood for the petting zoo.”