Area kids had the chance to experience a variety of animals up close when the Clearwater Lions brought Joah’s Ark petting zoo to Eldorado Park earlier this month.

The free event featured numerous animals for participants to pet and feed, including ducks, rabbits, goats, sheep, and a miniature donkey. Kids and adults alike went from enclosure to enclosure, lingering at their favorites. For some, it was the first time they’d had an opportunity to actually touch some of the animal species, and many were amazed at the variety of fur and feature textures.