Ostriches and Labor

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Labor in an Ostrich Farm?

Hope you had an awesome Labor Day weekend!

I did not grow up in the USA, so sometimes I have to look up what we are celebrating and why. Labor Day is a day to honor the contributions of hard-working Americans who helped build the prosperity we enjoy today. It began in an era when education wasn’t accessible to everyone, when there were no instant conveniences, and when machines and artificial intelligence were far from replacing human effort.

Why bring this up? Because it reminds me not to take for granted the privilege we have to live in a country full of opportunities. Work may look different now than it did in the late 1800s, but the spirit of perseverance and creativity is still very much alive. Whether through traditional jobs, entrepreneurship, or using today’s tools in new ways, opportunities continue to grow and shift.

This is America—the land where hard work, resilience, and determination still open doors. Labor Day is more than a holiday; it’s a reminder that every role, every effort, and every act of perseverance contributes to the fabric of our communities.

So how did I celebrate Labor Day? We went to the cutest Ostrich Farm! For over 30 years, we’ve driven past it on the way to Phoenix but never stopped—until this past Monday. The tickets even included food to feed the animals. Each cup of food was different, designed for different animals, and all we had to do was follow the signs.

On the way home, I thought about how much fun it would have been to bring my kids when they were little. They would have loved it! But at the time, we were always too busy—heading to see family, rushing to catch a flight, or just trying to get from point A to point B.

It made me wonder: how often do we take for granted what’s right in front of us? The opportunities to work, to build, to create, or simply to enjoy time with our families? Life moves fast, but Labor Day reminded me that opportunities—big and small—are all around us.

So my encouragement for you is this: don’t miss what’s right around the corner. Whether it’s a new job, a side business, or just a day of fun with your loved ones, take the time to seize the opportunities in front of you. Kids grow up, seasons change, and time moves on—but it’s never too late to enjoy what life has to offer. Don’t wait 30 years to take the exit! Grab the chances you have today, whether it’s a job, a side project, or just a quirky family adventure. Life’s too short to not stop and feed the ostriches!!!!

🦒 Just “Zooing” Around

After visiting the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, it reminded me of other small, family-owned zoos we’ve visited in the past. As you start planning your fall break, here are a few of my favorite worth checking out:
👉 Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

🐾 Out of Africa Wildlife Park – Arizona

A safari-style adventure where you can get close enough to be kissed by a giraffe (yes, really!). Feeding times are exciting, and you’ll find fun encounters with reptiles (not me, thanks! LOL) and even a sweet little sloth. Their shows are short, interactive, and memorable. If you’re heading to Sedona or Flagstaff, this stop is worth it.
👉 Out of Africa Wildlife Park

🦘 Branson’s Promised Land Zoo – Missouri

We stumbled upon this gem just as Branson was winding down for the winter season. With the Christmas lights twinkling, we joined the last tour of the day—just us on the bus, which made it feel like our own private safari! The highlight? Holding a tiny joey (baby kangaroo). I’m not usually big on holding animals, but who could resist? (Though, I did learn just how hard those little feet can kick—LOL.) It was magical and unforgettable.
👉 Promised Land Zoo

🐻 More Family-Owned Zoos to Explore

• Arizona

  • Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park – Founded by Mickey Ollson, whose passion for animals makes this place special.

  • Bearizona Wildlife Park – Drive-thru and walk-thru wildlife adventures.

• Arkansas

  • Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo – Operating since 1902!

• California

  • Safari West Wildlife Foundation – A unique African-style safari in Sonoma wine country.

• Florida

  • Moore Exotic Animal Ranch – Up-close encounters with exotic animals.

• Michigan

  • DeYoung Family Zoo – A family-run zoo with plenty of hands-on experiences.

• New York

  • The Wild Animal Park – Home to giraffes, zebras, and more, with a personal touch.

• Oregon

  • Wildlife Safari – An accredited drive-thru safari known for conservation work.

• North Carolina

  • Zootastic Park and Aloha Safari Park – Both were up for sale recently but now have new owners keeping the fun alive.

✨Can you imagine the work it takes to keep a zoo running? Feeding time isn’t just for one dog or cat—it’s for lions, goats, ostriches, and maybe even a sloth or two! Rain or shine, blazing hot or freezing cold, these families show up every day to care for their animals. It’s not just hard work—it’s truly a labor of love for these amazing creatures (and probably a lot of hay, carrots, and birdseed too!).

Here I am trying to feed them by pouring the food into the container they can get to, but they are fast! Some people choose to feed them with their hand open… Not me! LOL I’m ducking so the tall one does not poke my head! Soooo fun!

Outing the Emotions

Visiting the Ostrich Farm made me very aware of my own quirky fears—I didn’t feed the goats or bunnies by hand (did not want to get licked), avoided getting pecked by birds, and skipped the manta rays because of their slimy texture. Even with wipes everywhere, I needed soap and water afterward.

While these fears are minor, for someone with autism, outings like this can be much more intense. What’s meant to be fun and relaxing can sometimes trigger strong emotions. So how can we manage dysregulated emotions—whether in ourselves or our child—during outings or long travels?

Here are some tips that may help:

🧩 Managing Emotions on Outings

When outings get tricky, here are quick strategies to keep everyone calm and happy!

1. Pause & Breathe: Slow, deep breaths—just a few can help lower stress and reset emotions.

2. Find a Safe Spot: Step aside to a quiet corner or car for a short break if things feel overwhelming.

3. Validate Feelings: Say: “I see you’re upset/frustrated/scared. That’s okay.”
Acknowledgment helps calm emotions without giving in.

4. Offer Predictable Plans: Use visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, or simple announcements of what’s next.

5. Engage the Senses: Stress balls, soft objects, calming music, or gentle pressure can help regulate emotions.

6. Give Positive Choices: “You don’t have to feed the goats—want to watch from over here, or try the ducks?” Control without forcing the trigger.

7. Stay Calm as the Parent: Kids often mirror adult reactions—quiet, steady tones help everyone settle down.

8. Debrief Later: After calm returns, reflect on what went well and discuss strategies for next time.

Tip: Keep a small bag with a favorite sensory tool, water, and hand wipes or hand sanitizer and snacks if they are allowed! (to avoid getting “Hangry”)—it’s a lifesaver during outings!

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