Zoo experience during a pandemic

If you are feeling cooped up however it may be worthwhile to visit Eudora Farms in Aiken, where the animals are anything but. (photo by Clayton Richardson)

By Clayton Richardson | Staff writer 

It can prove challenging to find fun, leisurely activities during the midst of a pandemic. Movie theatres have closed and many businesses have made modifications to their services too.  

If you are feeling cooped up however it may be worthwhile to visit Eudora Farms in Aiken, where the animals are anything but. It is a safari like experience where patrons can get up close and personal to the animals.  

Eudora Farms has nearly two miles of trails to explore with animals like camels and zebras to greet you inside your vehicle. Feed can be purchased in buckets to hand feed a wide array of wildlife.  

Camels, cows, ostriches and llamas all flock towards you eager for a treat with many not minding a pat or two. 

"With the virus, I think this is a great opportunity to get out with your family and to have a great experience for when a couple years down the road, you'll be talking about the pandemic and how you went through a drive-thru safari and a camel stole your cup or something," said Shelby Nesbit to WRDW News. 

Eudora Farms is constantly improving and building on their current design. Repeat visits may yield a whole new experience than your previous.  

An example would be in the inclusion of new habitats for lemurs. These curious creatures are keen to show off their acrobatic abilities to guests. It is certainly a different kind of local experience to those who can no longer travel. 

“In the world scheme of things, when we wake up, some of these animals are not going to be here. So this is a chance for people to see them and enjoy them. And hopefully maybe they can go back and do something about that to help with their habitat and conservation,” said Nisbet to WJBF News.