Big Red's Barn saved and reopened by Post Falls family

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Big Red's Barn, a beloved petting zoo off Government Way, has reopened its doors. A brief closure announcement last month sparked a wave of community support on social media.

The petting zoo, known for its diverse range of animals including sloths, snakes, llamas, and more, faced uncertainty until the Harris family from Post Falls stepped in to keep the business alive.

"We decided to keep this business running because I know how important it is to our community. It's a therapy space. It's not just about the animals, people come here and it helps their heart," said Ginger Harris, one of the family members now managing the zoo.

The decision wasn't taken lightly. The Harris family made the commitment to leave their day jobs behind to take on the responsibilities of zookeepers, a role they've found to be challenging yet deeply rewarding.

"It's a lot of hard work. A lot more hard work than I thought it would be. But it's really enjoyable and the animals all really love it. And we love to be able to love on them at the end of the night," shared Haely Harris.

Despite the change in ownership, several employees chose to remain with Big Red's Barn, providing consistency that sealed the deal for the Harris family.

"It's a happy space. Everybody who walks through our door is happy to be here and wants to be here. And that makes it a pretty happy experience to come into every day," added Ginger Harris.

Looking ahead, Big Red's Barn promises to retain its charm while welcoming new additions.

"I want this big, I want lots of animals here. I want it to be a great awesome place for the community," said Haely Harris.

For those looking to show their support and enjoy a day with the animals, Big Red's Barn is now open and ready for visitors. The petting zoo wil be offering a special discount of $4 off admission for the Fourth of July holiday. You can find more information here.

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