Driving on
Kansas Highway 96 just west of Hutchinson, you come upon a most unusual
sight: zebras frolicking with camels, ostriches dancing in the brome,
giraffes, kangaroos and too many other exotic critters to list.
This most unique animal
farm, its entertainment affiliate - Hedrick's Promotions, Inc. and Hedrick's
Bed & Breakfast Inn - are owned and operated by Joe and Sondra Hedrick, both
native Kansas ranchers. Joe's many years on the rodeo trail with
various specialty acts involving exotic animals eventually evolved into
exotic breeding as Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm, Inc. The farm was soon
followed by Hedrick's Promotions, Inc., which provides family entertainment
with Camel Races, Ostrich Races, Pig Races, and Educational Exotic Animal
Exhibits at state fairs.
Later, Hedrick's Bed &
Breakfast Inn was opened to provide a unique retreat. Families, groups
and singles can meet and interact with the animals when they stay at the Bed
& Breakfast located on the farm in Nickerson, Kansas. Or they can come
to the farm for a tour, hay ride, campout, birthday party, corporate
retreat, etc.
Every year thousands of
students from Kansas schools enjoy an interactive learning experience at
Hedrick's. Information is tailored to each age group, and questions
are encouraged. Our guides take students on an educational,
entertaining and interesting adventure. They will be taken into areas
where they can actually touch, feed and interact with our animals. The
tour will educate them about the large variety of exotic and domestic
animals we have on our farm. Students and teachers will be able to
feed giraffes and go into the kangaroo enclosure for a personal visit.
The tours last approximately one hour and are available by reservation.
There is a picnic area available for groups with sack lunches. We have
a large parking area and public restrooms.
The foundation of the
operation remains the animal farm, where the majority of animals are "home
grown" through the farm's breeding program. A full-time, trained staff
insures that each animal receives individual care regarding nutrition
requirements, housing needs, and human companionship. Hedrick's
is licensed by the U.S.D.A. and has a veterinary service that provides 24
hour assistance to both farm and tour units.
