A capybara named Betty has her own swimming area on a working farm in Utah. That’s the world’s largest rodent, living a calm life near goats, pigs, and shaggy Highland cows.
She isn’t the only surprise on the property. Kangaroos hop around here too, along with wallabies, foxes, raccoons, an emu, a porcupine, and camels you can actually ride.
Nobody just wanders in off the road, though. Every visit happens by appointment, so your group gets a guide and a personal tour instead of a crowd pushing past the fences.
I like how that turns a farm visit into something closer to a private backstage pass.
I can’t imagine a better way to spend half an hour than hanging out with a giant, famously relaxed rodent. So how did a capybara end up on a Utah farm in the first place?
Thirty Minutes With A Capybara Will Reset Your Whole Mood
Capybaras are the largest rodents on the planet, and they carry themselves like retired professors on vacation. At Utah Petting Zoo at Ivie Acres Farm, you can book a 30-minute Capybara Encounter to meet one up close.
The resident star is a capybara named Betty. The farm says her enclosure and swimming area have received upgrades, which matters because capybaras love shallow water.
These animals are gentle, social herbivores. In the wild, they spend long stretches grazing and soaking, so a relaxed pace suits them perfectly.
The encounter costs extra on top of general admission. Plan for that when you book, so nobody in your group feels left out at the gate.
Here’s a practical tip for families with excited kids. Talk about quiet hands and calm voices before you arrive, since a nervous capybara is not a cuddly capybara.
Animals also have moods, just like people. If Betty isn’t in a social mood that day, your guide may steer you toward other animals instead.
Honestly, that flexibility is part of the charm. You’re visiting real animals with real personalities, not a theme park ride with a button.
Kangaroos In The Utah Desert Sound Made Up, But They Hop Right Here
Australia called, and apparently it left a few residents in Tooele County. The farm offers a 30-minute Kangaroo Encounter, which might be the most surprising sentence you read all week.
Kangaroos aren’t the only marsupials on the guest list either. Wallaby encounters are also available, giving you a chance to compare the big hopper with its smaller cousin.
So what’s the difference between them? Wallabies are generally smaller and more compact, while kangaroos have longer legs built for covering serious ground.
Both encounters are add-ons beyond general admission. If your kids are torn between marsupials and the capybara, you might want to budget for more than one experience.
Kids tend to ask great questions during these sessions. Encourage them to ask your guide how a pouch works, because that answer usually sparks a whole new round of curiosity.
Keep expectations realistic, too. These are animals with their own schedules, and a sleepy kangaroo is still a kangaroo worth seeing.
Bring a camera with a quick shutter if you can. Hopping animals don’t pose for long, and blurry tails make for funny but frustrating photo albums.
Your Kid Can Say They Rode A Camel In Utah, And Mean It
Most playground bragging rights involve a slide or a swing. A camel ride beats both of those easily, and the farm offers camel rides for an additional fee.
Sitting up on a camel feels very different from sitting on a horse. You’re higher off the ground, and the rocking walk takes a minute to get used to.
Smaller riders have another option. Pony rides are available for children, which works well for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for camel height.
Families have even booked a special unicorn-themed pony for birthday kids. It’s a sweet touch that turns a simple ride into a storybook moment.
Dress for the occasion before you go. Closed-toe shoes and comfortable pants make climbing on and off much easier for everyone.
Also think about sun protection. The farm sits out in open country, so hats and sunscreen are smart choices during warmer months.
One fun fact to share with your rider is worth packing too. Camels store fat in their humps, not water, and that little nugget always earns a surprised face.
The Animal Roster Reads Like A Very Strange Trivia Night
Ever heard of a Patagonian cavy? It looks a bit like a rabbit mixed with a small deer, and it’s one of the oddballs you might spot here.
The list keeps going in delightful directions. Muntjac deer, a large sulcata tortoise, a baby kinkajou, a zebu, an emu, and a porcupine have all been part of the lineup.
Alpacas and llamas round things out. Teaching kids to tell them apart is a fun mini lesson, since llamas are usually larger with longer, banana-shaped ears.
Raccoon and fox encounters are also offered as add-ons. Those are rare chances to see animals that usually vanish the second they notice you in the wild.
Animal residents can change over time, so don’t promise your child one specific creature. Ask about current animals when you schedule your visit.
A kinkajou, by the way, is a rainforest mammal related to raccoons. It has a grabby tail that works almost like an extra hand.
Write down a few names before you go. Kids love checking off animals like a real-life scavenger hunt.
Goats, Pigs, And Fluffy Highland Cows Hold Down The Barnyard
Exotic animals grab the headlines, but the classic farm crew deserves real credit. General admission at Utah Petting Zoo at Ivie Acres Farm includes meeting friendly barnyard residents.
Expect goats, bunnies, chickens, pigs, sheep, horses, and donkeys. The farm also keeps Highland cows, those shaggy beauties that look like they just rolled out of bed.
Highland cows come from Scotland. Their long coats help them handle chilly, windy weather, which makes them look extra cozy in any season.
General admission covers about one hour. That’s enough time to wander, ask questions, and learn the basics without anyone getting cranky.
Guides explain basic animal care and behavior along the way. It’s a great chance for kids to learn why goats nibble everything and why pigs are smarter than they look.
For toddlers, this part might be the true highlight. Familiar animals feel less intimidating, and a curious goat can win over a shy kid fast.
Use the sanitation stations after hands-on time. Clean hands mean happy snack breaks later in the car.
Booking Ahead Is The Only Way Through The Gate
Spontaneous road trips are fun, but this stop needs a plan. Utah Petting Zoo at Ivie Acres Farm operates by appointment only, and reservations are required for every visit.
That setup has a real upside. Your tour is personal, so your group moves at its own pace without strangers crowding the fence line.
The farm sits at 5605 Higley Rd, Grantsville, UT 84029. It’s a rural spot west of the Salt Lake Valley, so give yourself enough drive time.
Published hours have varied between sources. The safest move is to confirm your exact time slot directly when you book.
When you schedule, list every add-on you want. Capybaras, kangaroos, camel rides, and other encounters cost extra, and clarity upfront avoids awkward surprises.
Ask what’s included in general admission too. That way, you’ll know whether feeding opportunities come with your package or a specific encounter.
Arrive on time and check in where staff directs you. A smooth start means more minutes with the animals and fewer minutes wondering where to park.
Birthday Parties Get A Lot Wilder When A Camel Shows Up
Bounce houses are fine. A birthday where kids meet a capybara and ride a camel lands in a completely different category.
The farm hosts private farm parties and birthday events. There’s a party barn on site, which gives your group a home base for cake and presents.
Guests at parties can also add pony rides and exotic encounters. That lets you build a celebration around whatever animal your child loves most right now.
Can’t make the drive? The team also brings animals to off-site events, including company parties and community celebrations.
That mobile option has brought an alpaca to a workplace party and a mini petting zoo to a toddler’s birthday. It’s a fun way to surprise someone without leaving town.
Plan party details early and be specific. Share your headcount, ages, and must-have animals so the team can prepare properly.
Bring wipes, water bottles, and a backup outfit for little ones. Farm parties are memorable partly because they get a little messy.
Leave The Fancy Shoes Home, Because This Is A Real Working Farm
Polished theme parks have their place, but this isn’t one. The owners describe it as a working farm, and the rustic setting reflects that honestly.
Expect dirt, hay, wind, and the general reality of animals living outdoors. That’s part of seeing farm life up close rather than through glass.
Pathways are described as flat and stroller-friendly. Pens are arranged to help guests move safely from one animal to the next.
Even so, rural ground can be uneven in spots. Anyone with mobility concerns should mention it while booking so staff can help plan the route.
Sanitation stations are available for hands-on contact. Use them often, especially before kids touch faces or snacks.
Grantsville weather can swing hard, and wind is common out here. Layers, sunglasses, and a hat will keep everyone more comfortable.
Bring a stroller with big wheels if you have one. It’ll roll over dirt better than a lightweight city model, and your arms will thank you later.
Smart Animal Lovers Ask A Few Questions Before They Book
Caring about animals means looking at the full picture. Utah Petting Zoo at Ivie Acres Farm has faced public criticism and past federal citations about animal care.
Animal welfare concerns continued in August 2026, when authorities removed dozens of animals from Ivie Acres Farm following neglect reports and an investigation involving the Utah State Veterinarian’s Office. In addition to a 2021 USDA penalty over Animal Welfare Act violations, two individuals associated with Ivie Acres Farm faced multiple animal cruelty charges in August 2026; those charges were allegations, not findings of guilt.
There’s another side, too. A 2019 review by the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office and a veterinarian found no evidence of abuse or neglect at that time.
The farm says all proceeds go toward the special care of its animals. Owners have also described recent habitat upgrades, including Betty the capybara’s swimming area.
So what should a thoughtful visitor do? Read recent news, ask about water, shade, and enclosure size, and notice how animals look during your visit.
If something seems off, say so politely to staff. Respectful feedback helps animals more than silence does.
Going in informed makes the experience better for everyone. In Utah or anywhere else, the best animal encounters start with good questions.