Mountainside sanctuary

In the midst of a January snow flurry, Chloe stood at the corral gate at Mountainside Petting Farm in Afton. She was striking to see, with her exotic Middle-Eastern features, soulful eyes and long lashes.

Chloe immediately came forward and said hello with a soft, wet kiss. This was totally unexpected because for one thing, Chloe is only a one-year-old, and for another, she is a camel. It’s surprising because the general thought about camels is that they are temperamental and inclined to spit on people.

“That’s because most camels are mistreated,” said Barbara Funke, co-owner of the petting farm. “She doesn’t know she’s a camel. She’s so gentle.”

Chloe shares the petting farm with 36 other animals, including ponies, horses, bunnies, roosters, game hens, sheep, goats, wallabies (which resemble small kangaroos), a ram and a pot-bellied pig. Funke said about half of the animals have been rescued from shelters and abandoned properties. Or even worse circumstances.

Funke’s idea to open a petting farm began seven years ago at her suburban home in Northville, Mich. She always had a caretaker’s passion for animals, even stopping to remove snakes, snapping turtles and injured squirrels from the middle of roads.

Then she learned of a 6-month-old Clydesdale bound for a Canadian slaughterhouse. She quickly adopted him and named him Buddy. Funke said she vowed to the colt, “Someday, Buddy, I’m going to have a petting farm to tell your story.”

Eventually Funke adopted five more animals, all of which had to be boarded. The fees were mounting. Finally she told her husband, “Ed, it would be cheaper just to buy me a farm.”

In 2006, Funke and her family, familiar with Nelson County from visiting relatives here, moved to their 40 acres in Afton and devoted half to the petting farm after receiving zoning approval. She purchased half the animals, such as Chloe, from breeders and owners.

Funke said she was surprised how rapidly word of mouth spread about her search for animals who needed rescue and the demand to find them new homes. She opened Mountainside in June 2007.

Almost all the smaller and non-pregnant animals are kept year-round in custom-built houses in seven separate paddocks. The hens roam free; one rooster prefers to sleep with Petey the pig.

Funke said the animals benefit from close contact and affection from visitors. She encourages children to feed the animals fresh popcorn (though each critter’s primary diet is comprised of specialized feed). Petting is, of course, promoted: chasing is prohibited.

The affection benefit flows both ways. Funke initiated a partnership with Teens Give, a non-profit service program for at-risk and special needs youth, a division of the Charlottesville Department of Social Services. Teens Give Director Heather Kellams said 80-100 children, elementary through high school grades, had participated in at least 20 projects at Mountainside Petting Farm in the past year. The children feed and groom the animals, as well as clean paddocks, stalls and other areas.

“We’re always looking for exciting projects, especially projects where youth can care for animals … Real healing happens when youth can bond with animals,” Kellams said. “The youth absolutely love it.”

There is more to Mountainside than petting and feeding. Two ponies give rides to small children (next year, Funke said, Chloe might get saddled up, too).

In spring, families can take part in an Easter egg hunt. During the summer, the farm hosts a day camp and hoedown. In the fall, the Funkes build bonfires, make s’mores and host a Halloween trick-or-treat. In December, Santa visits the farm.

Mountainside also makes arrangements with school and senior citizen groups and “moms clubs.” Finally, a family of four can rent a cottage on the grounds and immerse themselves in the farm experience, taking care of the animals.

Nelson County has welcomed Mountainside as a viable source of revenue.

Says Maureen Kelley, director of Nelson County Tourism and Economic Development, “Mountainside Farm is an important part of our economic inventory. It’s very family-friendly.”