Meet Our Animals

Double J Riding Club is home to over 30 species of farm and small animals. Many of these animals can be seen and interacted with during our many programs. Below you will find pictures of the various animals we have at Double J Riding Club.

We have provided some information about the animals so you can get to know them before you meet during camps, classes, parties and workshops. When choosing animals for parties, please note the animals level of interaction.

Below, you will find the list of animals we have here at Double J Riding Club, including all of our horse names in Chicago, IL. Providing this information allows you to get to know them before you meet during camps, classes, and scout workshops. When choosing animals for parties, please note the interaction level.

Should you ever be concerned about safety, please contact us right away. That’s our top priority.

Meet our Farm Animals

Patagonian Mara (cavy)

Joey

Patagonian maras may look more like giant rabbits or small deer, but they are rodents. They live on the plains and scrubland of Argentina.

Interaction: Mildly interactive, enjoys being hand fed lettuce

Flemish Giant Rabbit

Jimmy

The Flemish Giant rabbit is a very large breed of domestic rabbit, and is normally considered to be the largest breed of the species. These awesome rabbits are the gentle giants of the bunny world, growing up to between 12 and 15 pounds.

Interaction: Very interactive, a must-have, great for any age group, great photo opportunities.

Jersey Wolly Rabbit

Snow White

Rabbits have extremely soft short fur. They are a very smart, playful, relaxed and are known to be very "cat-like".

Interaction: Very interactive, calm and gentle, a must-have, great for any age group, great photo opportunities.

African Spurred Tortoises

Portrait of Sheldon, Amy, Howard, and Leonard.

Sheldon, Amy, Howard, Leonard

African Spurred Tortoises could grow up to 150 pounds and live to be 100 years old. They are the third largest type of tortoise in the world.

Interaction: Very interactive, great for any age group, possibility of being fed during presentation.

Hamsters

Stuffy

Hamsters are native to Syria. With their cheek pouches, they are secretive burrowers and hoarders. Being nocturnal creatures, they usually sleep during the day and play and explore at night.

Interaction: Very interactive, great for any age group, possibility of being fed during presentation.

Note: Not available for outdoor parties

Chinchillas

Chin & Chilla

Chinchillas are from the Andes Mountains in South America, so they have a very thick fur coat to keep them warm. They LOVE to take a bath in dust to keep their fur dry and soft.

Interaction: Very interactive, active and gentle, great for any age group, great photo opportunities

Note: Not available for outdoor parties

Juliana Pigs

Babe and Wilma

Juliana Pigs are a small colorful pig originating in Europe. They are a small spotted miniature pig specially bred to work with humans. They are social animals that normally live in a herd which is why they love socializing with humans. They love belly rubs, suggles, rooting around and sunbathing. Very interactive.

Hedgehog

Sonic and Charlie

Hedgehogs will curl up into a tight ball when they get frightened and stick their spikes up to protect themselves. They can sleep up to 18 hours a day!

Interaction: Moderately interactive, great for any age group, a must-have.

Guinea Pigs

Winter and Autumn

Guinea Pigs originated in the Andes of South America. They communicate by making various sounds that have different meanings and "popcorn," or jump in the air, when happy.

Interaction: Moderately interactive, great for any age group

Note: Not available for outdoor parties

Chameleon

Pascal

Serama Chickens

Henrietta and Fabio

Serama Chickens are the smallest and lightest chickens in the world. They weigh between 10 and 12 ounces. These chickens originated in Malaysia. Seramas make beautiful pets both indoor and outdoors.

Pygmy, Lamancha Goats

Rocky, Flower, Vincent, Van Gogh, and Lily

Goats are one of the first animals to be tamed by humans approxiatemately 9,000 years ago. The lifespan of a goat is about that of a dog. Goats are mountain animals and love to climb. They are foragers, not grazers. Goats have 4 stomachs and can frequently be heard burping!

Interaction: very interactive, great with children, possibility of being fed

Hair Sheep

Linus and Cora

Sheep have very good memories. They can remember at least 50 individual sheep and humans for years. They have also been known to display emotions, some of which can be studied by observing the position of their ears. Contrary to popular belief, sheep are extremely intelligent animals capable of problem solving.

Interaction: very interactive, great with children, possibility of being fed

Gecko

Belle

Geckos are usually brightly colored. Body coloration depends on the colors of their environment because it plays important role in the camouflage. Geckos are nocturnal creatures.

Interaction: moderately interactive

Zebu Cow

Molly and Mae

Zebu cattle originated in Southwest Asia and have humps on the shoulders, large dewlaps, and droopy ears.

Interaction: moderately interactive, great with children, possibility of being fed

Axolotls

Batman and Robin

Axolotls are a type of salamander but unlike other salamanders they remain aquatic their entire life. They are a critically endangered species in the wild.

Ducks

Pekin, Runners, Khaki Campbell, Blue Swedish, Cayuga, White Crested

Ducks are found on every continent except Antarctica. They have highly waterproof feathers which allow their skin to stay dry even when the duck dives under water. Ducks have been domesticated as pets for more than 500 years.

Bullfrog

Jeremiah

Bullfrogs are the largest of all North American frogs. The baritone call of the bullfrog is so deep and resonant, it resembles the mooing of a cow, hence its name.

Stick Bugs

Walking sticks are found on every continent except Antarctica. They mostly live in temperate and tropical regions. Within these areas, the stick insect usually inhabits woodlands and tropical forests, where it hides on trees in plain sight.

Bearded Dragon

Bob

House Rats

Gus Gus and Jaq

Skinny Pig

Fuzzy

Arizona Blonde Tarantula

This species is found through out Arizona , California , and Mexico. This species is found in dry desert and scrubland areas. It has a beautiful blonde color on it's chest and lower legs , and has black hairs on it's upper legs and brown hairs on it's abdomen. Adults get around 5 inches with males being leggier than females.