Dhunn – The Petting Farm

Dhunn – The Petting Farm, operated under the aegis of the Dhunn Charitable Trust, is a non-governmental organization based in Dharmaj, Gujarat, India. Founded in 2019 and formally registered on 15 May 2025, it serves as a sanctuary for exotic creatures and promotes ethical pet care, sustainability, and community education.

Dhunn – The Petting Farm
Type	NGO
Established	2019
Founders	Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel Damini Dileshkumar Patel Parul Jayeshkumar Patel Jyoti Satish Bhatt
Headquarters	Dharmaj, Gujarat, India
Sector	Exotic Pet Farming and Research
Staff	8

About

This specialized petting farm is home to more than 350 animals spanning 48 exotic species, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and primates. It complies with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and operates under licenses from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Species are documented on the government-approved Parivesh Portal.

Animal Residents

• Birds:
  • Finches, Parrotlets, Budgerigars, Lovebirds
  • Cockatiels, Rose Bourke Parrots, Red Rumped Parrots
  • Caiques, Senegal Parrots, Conures, Rosellas, Kakarikis, Monk Parakeets
  • African Greys, Orange-winged Amazons, Galah Cockatoos
  • Moluccan Cockatoos, Triton Cockatoos, Bare-Eyed Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots
  • Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Green-winged Macaws

• Mammals:
  • Persian Cats, Ponnuru Cattle

• Reptiles:
  • Iguanas, Leopard Tortoises, Sulcata Tortoises

• Insectivores:
  • Hedgehogs

• Marsupials:
  • Sugar Gliders

• Primates:
  • Common Marmosets, Red-handed Tamarins

In addition, the farm features a botanical zone of 26 plant varieties cultivated to provide feed, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable farming.

Mission

Dhunn advocates “compassionate captivity” — preserving exotic life forms through humane care, especially in the face of rising urban sprawl and climate stress. It champions responsible pet keeping through education, legal compliance, and ecological stewardship.

Outreach and Programs

The farm welcomes visitors, primarily:

• Government school groups and select private institutions
• Students in environmental science, botany, and zoology
• Teachers and NGOs running eco-awareness drives

Its academic framework spans:

1. Pre-Primary: Sensory bonding with gentle animals
2. Primary: Exploring animal lifestyles and routines
3. Secondary: Focus on nutrition, emotional care, and hygiene
4. Higher Secondary: Career exposure in zoology and wildlife care

Other community activities include:

• Eco-education week for differently-abled learners
• Volunteer-led reptile rescue camps
• Seed drives and plant giveaways
• Nest box crafting and feeding missions

History

The initiative traces back to 1992, when siblings Dr. Archana Patel and Chirag Bhatt began rescuing and training domestic pets. Their early journey included a dog hostel named "Gypsypets" and volunteering in wildlife operations, notably the 2002 rescue of a leopard cub.

Under mentorship from zoologist Dr. Govindbhai Patel (ex-Kankaria Zoo), the founders specialized in handling exotics and reptiles. Relocating to Dharmaj, Archana expanded the farm into a multi-species setup.

Key Milestones

• Farm inaugurated in 2019
• Official trust registration in 2025
• Legal clearance obtained for exotic housing
• Over 350 lives protected across 48 species
• Six reptile rescuers trained in local villages

See Also

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Parivesh Portal
• Conservation in India
• Animal rescue