Butte County

Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation; Durham.
Home to lions & tigers & bears (well, maybe no bears right now but definitely BIG Cats & other interesting critters) See Clouded Leopards, Lynx, Snow Leopards, birds & reptiles too. Open 7 days/wk by appointment, 9am-5pm. 1-2 hour educational tours available. Donations welcome! Located behind Durham Park, on Laura Lane. Info: (530) 345-1700; www.kirshner.org

Book Family Farm; Durham.
Multi-generational working farm which offers nostalgic draft horse wagon rides. Having owned & breed Draft Horses for 20+ years, we enjoy teaching the history and abilities of the draft horse. Seasonal open house & farm activities. Info: (530) 893-3139; www.bookfamilyfarm.com

NorCal Equine Rescue; Oroville.
Nonprofit org. dedicated to preventing cruelty to equines of all kinds: horses, ponies, mules & donkeys. Founded on the belief that if everyone does what he or she can, much will be accomplished. The Krume Animal Welfare Outreach Program mascot travels to schools & events to help teach about the responsibilities we all share toward our animal friends. Visit Sun-Thur 9am-2pm and by appoint. evenings & Fri. (530) 370-4056; Office hrs Sun & Wed 10am-3pm; www.norcalequinerescue.com

S.E. Marler & Family Fish Farm; Oroville-9 miles South of Chico on Highway 99.
Specializing in the propagation of largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, Koi, Israeli & common carp, mosquito fish, fathead minnows, and white sturgeon. Catch fish from pollution-free ponds stocked with fish from their family farm. Bring the family & make memories. Park-like setting, no Fishing License required. Admission: $5 ages 5+; under 5yrs free w/adult admission. 8:30am-7pm. 8824 Hwy. 99, Catfish Ln. Info: (530) 345-5221. www.marlerfishfarm.com

Two by Two Ranch & Petting Zoo; Chico.
Meet friendly sheep, chickens, turkeys, llamas & spring chicks. Nubian & pigmy goats will greet you & let you feed them. Family run. Call ahead for tour appointment or to schedule your child’s birthday event. 13080 Hosler Ave. Info: (530) 893-1088; www.twobytworanch.com

Glenn County

Farm Sanctuary; Orland.
300-acre California farm in the eastern foothills near Orland, home to hundreds of rescued pigs, goats, turkeys, cows and other farm animals- each with a story to tell. Guided tours on Sat.s, every hr 11am-3pm, Apr 1-Nov 30. Group tours avail., birthday parties too. $3/adults; $1/ages 3-12. Next to Black Butte Lake & rec. area, 10 min. w. of I-5, 30 mi. w. of Chico. Visitor ed. center includes displays, cruelty-free gift shop, & outdoor pavilion. Info: (530) 865-4617; www.farmsanctuary.org/visit/california.htm

Shasta County

Angelwings Pony Rescue and Sanctuary; Anderson.
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, care & training of unwanted and abused ponies. Sponsors get to visit, ride & play with their pony! 1235 Third St. (530) 365-3602 or (530) 365-5100; http://tcady.com/angelwings/index.html

Bella Vista Farms; Cottonwood.
Visit hundreds of barnyard & domesic animals (all rescued). Pony rides available at the farm or arrange for the pony to come to you in Shasta or Tehama Co.! Birthday parties & special occasions. Proceeds benefit Bella Vista Animal Rescue. Info: (530) 347-0544.

Safe Haven Horse Rescue; Cottonwood.
Offering field trips, lessons and birthday party packages. Sponsor a horse. Volunteer work days 1st Sat/month. 3950 West Anderson Dr. Info: (530) 347-4941; www.safehavenhorserescue.org

Wild Horse Sanctuary; Shingletown.
2- or 3-day trail rides, 4-day cattle drives. View the horses in the wild and enjoy comfortable cabins and an old west campfire dinner under the stars. Adopt a Horse and Horse sponsorship programs. College Internships. For more info: (530) 335-2241; www.wildhorsesanctuary.org

South Siskiyou County

Mount Shasta Lavender Farms; Mt. Shasta.
Open June 15-July 21, 2007, 9am-4pm, 7 days/week. Cut your own fresh lavender, enjoy some lavender lemonade and sample our products. Over 40,000 plants on 10 acres. Spectacular views! Info: (530) 926-2651.

Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery; Mt. Shasta.
The West's oldest operating hatchery raises rainbow & brown trout to stock mountain streams, rivers & lakes. View spawning during fall & winter months. Free. Tours by reservation. Open daily 8am-sundown. Home of the Mt. Shasta/Sission Museum also. 1 N Old Stage Rd. Info: (530) 926-5508; www.mountshastasissonmuseum.org.

Mt. Shasta Ostrich and Berry Ranch.
Not many can say they've seen a live Ostrich- visit a small ostrich farm located in Mt. Shasta. From approximately May through June, a small group (up to six) of supervised children can take a tour of the Mt. Shasta Ostrich and Berry Ranch. If you time it right, the children can also pick fresh raspberries and blackberries on the ranch. By appointment only, $5/person. Booking/info: (530) 926-5334.