Agent, researcher take petting zoo to N.O. school

Lonnie Parker, left, and Hendrix Broussand field questions from New Orleans school children during a petting zoo event held at Saint Pius X Elementary School.

Hendrix Broussard, assistant area agent, youth development, Orleans Parish and Lonnie Parker, research associate took a petting zoo to first-sixth graders at New Orelans' Saint Pius X Elementary School in early October.

The setting was farm-themed with live animals, hay bail, pitch fork, rice, pecans, sweet potato and an ear of corn in the husk. The event's theme was "Down on the Farm". The primarily urban group had never been exposed to agriculture except for the vegetables at local grocery stores and cats and dogs at home.

The children learned about the economic impact of agricultural products in Louisiana and about the different species of farm animals, types of crops, and their uses. They were also asked to identify crops that are grown in this state which included sweet potatoes, rice, pecans, and corn. Prizes were given to those who answered the questions correctly.

Approximately 60 students participated and more than 60 packs of mustard greens and carrot seeds were given out to the students after a detailed instruction on how to grow them. The students had an opportunity to pet the rooster, goat, rabbits and broiler chicks.