An exotic trio of two-humped camels, a pair of alpacas, donkeys, a reindeer, miniature sheep, adventurous goats and the proud herd leader, Kora – all of them make up Żyrardów’s multispecies animal gang residing in the Industrial Pen, which operates right by the Linen Museum. Since 2017 this wonderful place has become a safe sanctuary for the pack of tetrapods, loved by folks both young and old.
STEFAN | NEL | CHARLIE
The Bactrian camels, also known as two-humped camels, are incredible animals suited to thrive in challenging environments. Their characteristic humps allow them to store reserve supplies of fat, being a source of energy. There are three camels living in our Pen: Stefan, Nel and Charlie. Each of them has its own personality – Stefan is a true star, Nel vigilantly watches over the herd and Charlie is an adventurous, energetic youngster with a caramel coat. Although camels are associated with the desert, the Bactrian camels are native to Central Asia, where they adapted to life in the challenging mountains. They walk on sand and snow excellently thanks to their broad, meaty feet.
PUSIO | MEGI
Alpacas are adorable, fluffy animals, native to the mountain regions of South America, specifically Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Their soft, highly priced wool is used in clothes manufacturing across the globe. Alpacas tend to have gentle dispositions. In our Pen there lives a pair of them: Pusio and Megi. The first is a male alpaca, who’s rather shy but very curious. Megi is a chocolate beauty and like every lady, she has her better and worse days. Alpacas are herbivores, their diet consists mostly of grass, herbs and other plants. Although they’re mountain animals, they adapt to different conditions very well – including to our climate.
BASIA
Reindeers are fascinating animals, associated with icy, winter landscapes and of course, Santa Claus. They’re native to northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America, where they inhabit the tundra and coniferous forests. Their thick coat, which changes depending on the season, protects them from the cold. Reindeers are herbivores, their diet consists mostly of moss, mushrooms, different types of grass, leaves and shrubs. Our Pen houses the darling reindeer Basia, who is always eager to receive guests. Basia, like all reindeers, is a social animal, which means she thrives in a multi-species herd. Reindeers have also mastered migration – during one year they are capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres in search of food.
LOJZiK | ŻWIREK
Sicilian donkeys are quite small, but very cute animals that come from the hot island of Sicily. Their characteristic appearance – long ears, short hair and delicate build – make them into one of the most favoured from their species. Our Pen is a home to two donkeys: Lojzik and Żwirek. Both love being pet, but only on their own terms. Sicilian donkey’s are herbivores, their diet consists of grass, hay, vegetables and fruits. Those animals are extremely social and love to spend time in a group.
KARMEL | BIAŁY
The Quessant are the smallest breed of sheep on the planet. They’re native to a tiny island in France, where they live in harsh, windy conditions. Their thick wool functions as a cosy sweater, meaning Polish weather poses no threat to them at all. They love grazing in the fields where they can nibble on fresh grass in peace. Our sheep love humans and are very curious – sometimes they seem to be listening to all of your tales. Our Pen houses two merry rams: Biały and Karmelek. You can meet the former at the yearly nativity scene and in the Easter Pen. Karmelek is easily recognisable by a broken horn, lost during one of his and Biały brotherly clashes. They make a great team together!
THE LITTLE ONES
Goats are one of the funniest and cutest animals in our herd. They’re sociable, curious and full of energy, which means you can always count on their random shenanigans. Our pen is a home to five goats, brightening our everyday lives with their silliness. Goats are native to many places around the world, but the most well known are those dwelling in the mountains and at farmlands. Goats are herbivores, meaning, they love to eat grass, herbs and leaves. They can be very sneaky, so keep your wits about you, because they can easily snatch a delicious snack straight from your pocket. They have a unique way of expressing emotions – they “baa”, purr and make funny sounds depending on what they’re feeling at the moment.
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