37th Street Lights’ Petting Zoo Swaps Stuffed Animals for Interactive Activities

A unique holiday tradition is taking place at the 37th Street Lights in Austin, where the Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation has introduced an interactive petting zoo. This year, the foundation is swapping stuffed animals for creative tasks rather than traditional payment methods.

Interactive Activities Replace Monetary Transactions

Wendy Mitchell, the founder of the Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation, is leading this imaginative initiative. Participants select a stuffed animal but must complete a fun task to “purchase” it. Price tags do not list dollar amounts but rather outline the associated tasks.

• A stuffed pig requires the adopter to write a poem daily for a week without using social media.
• Claiming a dolphin involves drawing a picture of a cloud.
• A pink crocodile comes with the task of imagining what your Amazon driver had for breakfast.
• To take home an octopus, one must inquire where a veteran was stationed when they enlisted.
• A stuffed bear can be adopted by asking a 10-year-old for their best friend’s name.

After completing the assigned tasks, participants must submit a postcard detailing their experiences. Mitchell then sends out adoption papers along with a certificate, marking the stuffed animal’s rescue from a no-kill shelter.

Background on the Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation

The foundation has roots in Mitchell’s childhood, where she learned to repair her own stuffed toys. Initially, she rescued injured animals from thrift stores before the community began to bring them to her. Over time, her involvement in the 37th Street Lights festivities expanded.

Since launching the petting zoo in 2010, Mitchell has developed a more creative approach to adoption. This year’s strategy aims to engage participants actively and promote a sense of responsibility toward these stuffed animals.

The Challenge of Excess

Mitchell has expressed concerns over an increasing population of stuffed animals. This year’s event aims to thin the herd, with the goal of making each toy special again. In her workshop, shelves are stocked with supplies for repairs, but she has recently halted accepting new donations to manage the influx.

Mitchell pointed out that the quality of stuffed animals is declining, contributing to overcrowding. She advocates for a reconsideration of their production and purchasing habits to prevent further accumulation.

Creative Repairs at the Foundation

Alongside the petting zoo, the foundation continues to rehabilitate stuffed animals. Mitchell often performs operations to fix damages, such as reconstructing conjoined koalas that were previously used as slippers. Each repair project reflects her dedication to preserving the value of these beloved items.

Overall, the 37th Street Lights petting zoo exemplifies an extraordinary blend of creativity and community engagement while emphasizing the importance of responsible animal ownership, even for stuffed companions.