Media release

Animal Farm announces that it will close its doors on 31 March 2019. Changed personal circumstances are forcing owners Vicky and David Pattinson to shut the business and sell their land.

Animal Farm opened in 2014 and has since established a great reputation and a loyal following.

“We’re very proud to have built something that was a great asset to the community over the past five years,” says Vicky Pattinson. “We have become an important part of the childhood of many local children. We make our announcement with great sadness as we know the farm is a treasured destination for many people.”

Animal Farm has been a great place for families to spend quality time together. “It has been wonderful to see children having so much fun away from electronic devices and tv. We have loved seeing the children who come regularly gaining so much in confidence with the animals. It’s lovely to see the joy on the children’s faces.

“We are also proud to have helped with the conservation of rare-breed farm animals in New Zealand and especially our extremely rare Arapawa Island goats,” says David Pattinson. “We started with just five animals and knew very little, but our herd grew to be one of the largest in New Zealand, at one time.”

Vicky Pattinson says that the animals are very much part of her family and that she will be keeping all the core animals so that hopefully, in the future, local families will once again be able to enjoy seeing all the animals they love so much.

“I hope to find an investor to work with to purchase the land and re-open the farm park,” she says. “In the meantime, we will be in touch with our annual pass members about possible refunds.”

For the remainder of March people can visit Animal Farm for only $5 per person.

“This is our way of giving back to the wonderful Nelson Tasman community,” says Vicky Pattinson, “and is a way for the children and adults who have visited us in the past to say their goodbyes to the animals they love.”

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