FAQs

"Who are we?" ~  Zippity Zoo is owned and operated by Shannon Orth.  Shannon has loved animals and teaching others about them ever since she was a young girl.  She is an experienced animal handler and breeder, having raised and cared for many species of animals since youth.  For the past 12 years she has been a wildlife educator for summer camps, schools, youth groups, and many other types of events. Today, Shannon is focusing on breeding the animals that she really enjoys and raising her wonderful daughter, Micah, who also loves animals and plays an important role in the day-to-day care of the animals.

"What animals do we breed?" ~  Currently we enjoy breeding mostly farm animals, such as, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Miniature Sheep, Miniature Potbelly Pigs, and Silkie Chickens. We, also, still breed some exotic or different species of animals, such as, African Pygmy Hedgehogs and a variety of tortoise and turtle species. We also own other animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, and a striped skunk, but do NOT breed any of these animals.

"Where are we located?" ~  Zippity Zoo is located about 15 minutes west of the small town of Shelby, NC which is about an hour west of Charlotte, an hour south of Hickory, an hour east of Asheville, and an hour north of Greenville, SC. To get online directions to our location, please use the address listed on the Contact page.

"When can you come?" ~  Those who have reserved an animal by deposit or other confirmation may schedule an appointment to come pick up their new animal...Anyone wishing to visit for other reasons must also make an appointment, but those appointment times are very limited...Please read our Visitation Policies on the Hedgehog Sales Policies page... PLEASE, DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT...YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY!  We are not a pet store with regular business hours. 

"Why educate about animals?" ~  Zippity Zoo was created to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to see, touch, and learn about a variety of animals. We believe that by learning about each unique creature people of all ages will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world beyond our backdoors, which God has created for us to care for and enjoy.  By getting up close with animals, negative fears and perceptions about animals can be replaced with a healthy respect and acceptance of all life.  People often become more caring and compassionate towards others and less self-centered as a result of interacting with animals. Through learning about animals, young children gain a sense of responsibility and respect for life ~ two virtues that are rapidly disappearing from our society.  And, hopefully, by teaching these young learners how to protect and conserve these amazing animals, they will be able to enjoy a future filled with the diversity of nature that will otherwise vanish completely.

"How safe is it?" ~  Zippity Zoo strives to make each program an extremely positive experience for each participant and, thus, safety is of great importance. Only healthy and proven people-friendly animals are brought to programs. All animals are under the direct control of the animal handler at all times. Most of the animals can be touched...But the animal handler knows the behavior and moods of each animal, and therefore, has the right to withhold any particular animal from being shown or touched during any given program.  Zippity Zoo is USDA inspected and licensed. (Class C Exhibitor license under the Animal Welfare Act - Certificate #55-C-0158).