What would a fair be without the animals?

Missouri State Fair attendees can see species ranging from bunnies to zebras and from puppies to ponies. 

Someone has to take care of all the 4,000 animals that populate the fairgrounds on any given day, and keeping them in a temporary home can be a full-time job.

The Children’s Barnyard on the fairgrounds houses some 25 animals. Karla Schuknecht, 17, of Lincoln, has been helping to take care of these animals for the past four years.

“We feed the animals twice a day and water them whenever they need it,” Schuknecht said. “In the mornings, we walk the big animals and let the puppies run.”

Show animals are cared for by their owners and exhibitors.

Emily Borgmann, 17, of Owensville, works hard at keeping her 45 rabbits looking good.

“I have to brush them and make sure their toenails are clipped. The big rabbits are harder to clip,” Borgmann said.

Ken Pimentel, 52, of Lynchburg, not only keeps his Percheron horses fed and watered, he gives them spa-like treatment.

“They are pretty much pampered,” Pimentel said.

His 10 horses have fans blowing their manes 24 hours a day, and Pimentel takes good care of their shoes. When these 2,100-pound animals are not working, they are in the shade to keep their colors from fading, Pimentel said. The horses get to run around when the sun goes down.

The Missouri Department of Conservation keeps about 40 animals in its building during the fair.

Martha Daniels, exhibits coordinator for the Conservation Department, said the weather has a large effect on how animals eat and behave. Those animals, which include snakes and such, are a lot happier this year because of moderate temperatures.

“It is a lot less stressful on the animals when the weather is nice. They are eating better too, ” Daniels said. 

Employees divide feeding and cleaning duties. The amphibians and reptiles eat earthworms, crickets and some fresh fruit and vegetables. The birds and mammals get a combination of dry food and fresh fruits and vegetables. 

“We try to vary their diet and keep a healthy environment,” Daniels said. 

Joe Hedrick, owner of the Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm, has been bringing his group to the fair for many years. Hedrick has to care for more than 50 animals.

People feed the animals in the petting zoo throughout the day. Hedrick keeps track of how much food the animals get and compensates if they have not been fed enough. 

“It’s fun to watch people have fun,” Hedrick said. 

Although a lot of work goes into a live animal exhibit, it is worth it, Daniels said.

“It brings conservation home when people can see the animals up close.”