Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
If there is one animal that is simply cuter than all the others, it has to be Scottish highland cows!!
Well, you’ll be happy to know that while they are a Scottish breed, you can also find them in other places including in Florida!
Located in Melrose, Rooterville is an animal sanctuary where you can book a cuddle session with their Highland cows.
The sessions are private which means you don’t have to share with strangers. They offer different packages, going from half an hour up to a couple of hours.
You have book online here:
It’s about 1 hour 15 from Jacksonville and 40 minutes from Gainesville, making it an excellent day trip if you live around these locations.
Please note that while I try to be as accurate as possible, I always recommend checking the official website and socials. Things can change quickly and as much as I try to stay on top of things, it’s not always the case.
🐄 Quick Information About Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
📍 Where: 1208 County Road 315, Melrose, FL 32666
🐄 What is it?
Rooterville is an animal sanctuary rather than a working farm, and that’s what makes it a bit different.
It was started by Elaine West as a refuge for unwanted pot-bellied pigs, and they’ve taken in over 1,000 rescued farm animals over the years. 🐷
Today it’s home to nearly 100 rescued animals of all kinds, with pigs still being the main focus, plus cows, goats, turkeys and mini horses.
The Highland cows are Jett, Penny, Phoebe and Zoe, and they are absolute cuties. 🐄
The standard cuddle session is 30 minutes with Jett, who stands 44 inches tall. He loves hugs and chin scratches. The sanctuary also recommends bringing bananas if you want to be really popular.
Sessions are private and for groups from 2 to 10. You can take as many photos as you want and you’ll also get unlimited access to the rest of the sanctuary.
If half an hour doesn’t seem like enough, you should consider their Ultimate Cow Cuddle. You’ll get 2 full hours with the 4 cows.
If you want to hand feed the other animals, feel free to bring baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes, strawberries and blueberries. 🍎
There are also walk-in visit days on Fridays and Saturdays, but their website lists a few different sets of times for these, so give them a call before you go.
🎫 How To Book
30 minute Highland cow cuddle with Jett 👉 See prices and availability here
Ultimate Cow Cuddle, 2 hours 👉 See prices and availability here
Online booking closes 24 hours before, but you can call them for a same day or last minute slot.
🚗 From Jacksonville: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
🚗 From Gainesville: Around 25 minutes
🛏️ Staying the night
You can actually stay over for the night if you want to. They have luxury covered wagons you can book online.
📞 Contact: (352) 262-7313 or piggyparade@gmail.com
🌐 Website: rooterville.org
You may also be interested in:
