Kangaroo Creek Farm — Attraction in East Central Okanagan Electoral Area

I would like to leave a comment following my recent visit to your farm. While this visit could have been very pleasant, I feel compelled to share my discomfort and shock regarding certain comments made by your employees about the animals, particularly the kangaroos and the Mara rodents.

During the visit, several employees claimed that kangaroos were "stupid," and others, who cared for the Mara, also described these rodents as "not intelligent." These comments deeply shocked me, especially since they come from people whose job it is to care for these animals daily.

While observing the kangaroos, I was struck by their appearance: they seemed apathetic, as if they were under sedation. Their demeanor appeared far from the natural behavior of these animals, which are generally alert and energetic in their natural environment. I am not a specialist, but this worried me. Kangaroos are fascinating animals with a unique intelligence adapted to their environment. Recent studies have shown that they can communicate with humans to ask for help, a clear sign of cognition and understanding.

Their social behavior is much more sophisticated than one might think. Kangaroos live in organized groups called "mobs," where they interact with each other in complex ways. They are not "stupid" animals, and their ability to adapt to often harsh environmental conditions speaks to their ingenuity.

As for the Mara rodents, they were also labeled as "not intelligent." However, these animals exhibit impressive social behaviors. Mara often live in monogamous pairs and share responsibilities, particularly in protecting their young and foraging for food. Their ability to cooperate and coordinate within complex social groups demonstrates a behavioral intelligence that cannot be overlooked.

Hearing employees, who are supposed to have a deep knowledge of and care for these animals, describe them as "stupid" or "not intelligent" really disturbed me. This reflects a lack of understanding and respect for the behavioral and cognitive specifics of each species. As an establishment that welcomes the general public, especially children, it is crucial that your employees convey an educational message that values the diversity of animal behaviors and encourages curiosity.

I understand that these comments may result from a misunderstanding, but I would appreciate it if you could raise awareness among your teams about the importance of adopting a respectful and well-informed discourse regarding animals. Each species has unique capabilities that deserve recognition, and it is essential to promote a nuanced understanding of animal intelligence to the public.

Thank you for your attention to...

Visiting the Kangaroo Farm in Vernon, Kelowna was such a unique and unforgettable experience for me and family. From the moment we pulled into the spacious parking lot, everything felt well organized and welcoming. The sales staff were friendly and explained the rules clearly, which gave us a sense right away that the farm puts the animals’ welfare first. Inside, the enclosures were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed with shade, grass, and shelters. You could tell the kangaroos were well cared for and they looked healthy, active, and genuinely curious about visitors.

The highlight, of course, was getting up close with the kangaroos. Some hopped right up to us, and others lounged in the grass, completely unbothered. Feeding them was such a fun experience, and the staff supervised in a way that felt safe for both people and animals. The staff explained kangaroo behavior, social structures, and fun facts in a way that kept both kids and adults engaged. They even handed us carrots for feeding them and to experience a close encounter.

What really stood out was how professional and knowledgeable the staff were. They answered every question with patience and were quick to step in if a kangaroo looked uncomfortable. It never felt like a petting zoo where animals are overexposed, there was a balance between letting us interact and respecting the animals’ space.

Facilities were clean and family-friendly, with a small café, a picnic area, and plenty of restrooms just in the middle of the farm. Accessibility was decent on most paths, though some grassy areas might be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers. The whole place is also very photogenic, so don’t forget a camera, we got some amazing close-up shots of hospitable “LENIE” (Ostrich) roaming around the farm.

Overall, the Kangaroo Farm is well worth a visit whether you’re local or just passing through the Okanagan area. It’s fun, educational, and different from your typical attraction. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals. I left feeling that the animals are well cared for, the staff truly love what they do (specially they have students as well who are working for them too) and this is an experience I, my wife and especially my son who has a physical disability who will remember all this for years. I’d happily recommend it to anyone visiting...

I recently visited this farm with high hopes of experiencing a pleasant day with the animals, but I left with serious concerns. While the farm boasts a range of animals available for petting, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Upon arrival, the setting appeared idyllic, with well-maintained grounds and an array of animals seemingly ready to interact with visitors. However, as I began to engage with the animals, their unusually lethargic behavior struck me as odd. Animals that are typically more active, like goats and kangaroos, seemed unnaturally calm and indifferent to the surrounding activities and noise.

As I observed further, it became evident that many of the animals were displaying signs of sedation. Their responses were slow, and they seemed overly docile, which made me question their wellbeing. It's natural for animals to have varied temperaments, but the uniformity of their subdued behavior across different species was alarming.

This raised a red flag about the farm's practices. The idea that the animals might be drugged to ensure they are easy to pet is deeply troubling. Not only is this unethical, but it also compromises the animals' health and natural behaviors. Such practices, if true, reflect poorly on the farm's commitment to animal welfare and responsible tourism.

While this farm might provide an easy and accessible petting experience, the potential cost to the animals' health and wellbeing is too great to ignore. I hope the management addresses these concerns promptly, ensuring that the animals are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Until then, I would advise potential visitors to reconsider supporting this...