Thoroughly Therapeutic
Lyon Ranch was put on the map when we began taking a camel into nursing homes and hospitals in the year 2000. Keesa only came to us in 2012, but she has surpassed any of our expectations! Our bactrian, two-humped, camel is warm, affectionate and has the disposition of a lazy lap dog in the body of an 1800 pound herbivore.
While those of us at the ranch don't consider Winchester to be therapeutic, he is undoubtedly stimulating. When Winnie arrived at the ranch in 2007 he was eight years old and had gone through six homes because he has what they call a 'difficult' personality. We call him Winchester, like the rifle, since he can go off at any moment, but guests love his charm and outgoing behavior.
One of our most popular ambassadors the we use in the therapy program is Chewy the fennec. Despite this little fox's rough start and rugged appearance, he's proven to be a resilient and delightful addition to the program. When he came to Lyon Ranch he was all 'chewed up.' Now those initial hardships have given him an affinity for people not often seen with wild animals.
Muppet the mini horse is just as cuddly as his name implies. Our old boy is a pro at the therapy circuit where he delicately trots from person to person in search of pats and treats. Aside from being adorable, Muppet's favorite past time is snacking! It's nice to have a heard of fuzzy lawnmowers.
As a representative of one of the largest parrot species in the world, Lulu the hyacinth macaw certainly is an impressive figure. Her big size is matched by her big heart so she certainly lives up to the term 'gentle giant.' Lulu loves being admired and showing off her macadamia shell cracking skills to an impressed audience.