Who we are
Welcome to our non-profit zoo, where our mission is to create a safe and inclusive enviroment for both animals and people. We believe in the potential of all individuals, including those with high functioning special needs, and we strive to provide meaningful employment opportunities for these individuals. Through our animal care and educational programs, we aim to promote understanding, empathy, and acceptane of all abilities. Our zoo is not only a place for animal lovers but also a community that supports and empowers individuals of all backgrounds. Come visit us and see how we are making a difference in the liver of animals and people alike
ON THE NEWS….
Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer
“Over The Rainbow Zootopia – a newly opened non-profit petting zoo – helps high functioning, differently abled young adults find their way into the workforce. The zoo was started by friends, Bri Oberlin and Lindsey Zaucha. The idea came about last September, when the two somewhat jokingly discussed opening a non-profit organization. That organization, they hoped, would help high-functioning individuals gain their first job experience and ease them into the workforce feeling comfortable and allowing for some independence.
Fast forward exactly a year later and they have accomplished that and much more by opening and operating Over The Rainbow Zootopia. In January of 2023, both Oberlin and Zaucha began making their dreams a reality when they started expanding their animal herd. They became a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at the end of June.
Oberlin and Zaucha met and became close friends when Zaucha’s daughter took horse riding lessons at Twisted Trail Stables, a business owned by Oberlin. Together they have a common goal to help bring high-functioning disabled young adults into the workforce by giving them full responsibility of caring for the animals on their own.
Since becoming an established nonprofit, Over The Rainbow Zootopia has held booths and made appearances at the Eaton County Fair as well as a couple of local pride events. They are eager to get involved in more community events as their staff grows. Currently on board is part-time helper, Chase, a high functioning adult who is such a great help, according to the owners.
The future holds many hopes for Over The Rainbow Zootopia. “One of the bigger goals we have for Over The Rainbow Zootopia is to eventually have field trips out here,” shared co-owner Bri Oberlin. “(We’d like) to bring groups from the surrounding school districts, kids of all ages, out to help with their sensory skills.”
To expand the zoo side of things, the owners are planning two new pens for animals they wish to add. Currently they have pigs, sheep, and many goats that are friendly and love the children that come through. Chase wants to add alpacas, while Oberlin and Zaucha wish to add water buffalo and yaks.
After having met both owners, it is very clear that they have a lively passion for aiding those who are high functioning as they help walk them into the workforce.”
Eaton Rapids petting zoo will serve as community nonprofit
by: Nate Salazar
“Over the Rainbow Zootopia” was born out of its founders’ search for ways to give back to the community.
“What better way to do it than with the animals…Our goal is to hire high-functioning mentally and physically handicapped people,” said Lindsey Zaucha, co-founder.
The founders hope the petting zoo will be fun for the community, as well as an outlet for people with disabilities to get hands-on experience while working a job in a comforting environment.
Co-founder Bri Oberlin said the job would involve “care of the animals, cleanup around the farm…honestly, just loving the animals, just spending time with the animals.”
Although they only have a few pens set up so far, many have reached out wanting to help–including Chase Hammontree, who’s already been working on the farm for a week.
“Yeah, I love animals, and I love zoo animals too…I help them feed them, and I help them shave the sheep,” Hammontree said.
The organizers say they hope the petting zoo can provide experience that will lead to future employment for the workers.
“They can learn a lot of responsibility, and how to care for something, and that will obviously help translate into another job, whether it be with animals or something else,” said Melissa Hampton, a boarder at Twisted Trail Stables.
The petting zoo was recently licensed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.”