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{{SHORTDESC:Indian NGO focused on exotic pet farming and research}}{{#seo:|title=Dhunn – The Petting Farm|title_mode=append|keywords=Dhunn, The Petting Farm, exotic pet farming, NGO India, animal research, Dharmaj Gujarat, Dhunn Petting Farm, Dhunn – The Petting Farm Wikipedia|description=Dhunn – The Petting Farm is an Indian NGO established in 2019 in Dharmaj, Gujarat, focused on exotic pet farming, animal welfare, and research.|image=Dhunn – The Petting Farm.png|image_alt=Dhunn – The Petting Farm}}
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left; border-spacing: 0px; background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; float: right; margin-left: 1em;"
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: larger; padding: 5px 0;" |'''Dhunn – The Petting Farm''' 
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 0; background-color: #f9f9f9;" |
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Type'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |NGO
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Founded'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |2019
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Founders'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |
* [[Dr. Archana Shailesh Patel]]
* Damini Dileshkumar Patel
* Parul Jayeshkumar Patel
* [[Jyoti Satish Bhatt]]
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Location'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |Dharmaj, Gujarat, India
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Industry'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |Exotic Pet Farming and Research
|-
| style="width: 30%; padding: 5px;" |'''Employees'''
| style="width: 70%; padding: 5px;" |8
|}
'''Dhunn – The Petting Farm''' is a distinctive initiative operated by the non-profit entity '''Dhunn Charitable Trust''', based in [[wikipedia:Dharmaj|Dharmaj]], [[wikipedia:Gujarat|Gujarat]], [[wikipedia:India|India]]. Established in 2019 and formally registered on 15 May 2025, the organization manages a private [[wikipedia:Petting zoo|petting farm]] that houses more than 48 [[wikipedia:Exotic pet|exotic species]]. The farm is dedicated to promoting [[wikipedia:Animal welfare|animal welfare]], [[wikipedia:Environmental conservation|environmental conservation]], and responsible exotic pet ownership through awareness programs and hands-on educational experiences.

== Overview ==
'''Dhunn – The Petting Farm''' provides shelter and compassionate care for over 350 lives, including various [[wikipedia:Bird|birds]], [[wikipedia:Mammal|mammals]], [[wikipedia:Reptile|reptiles]], and [[wikipedia:Primate|primates]]. Operating in full compliance with the [[wikipedia:Wildlife Protection Act, 1972|Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]] (as amended in 2019 and 2022) and the guidelines of the [[wikipedia:Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], it maintains detailed records on the [[wikipedia:PARIVESH|Parivesh Portal]] for all exotic species in its care.

'''Species hosted at the farm include:'''

'''Birds:'''
** [[wikipedia:Finch|Finches]], [[wikipedia:Parrotlet|Parrotlets]], [[wikipedia:Budgerigar|Budgerigars]], [[wikipedia:Lovebird|Lovebirds]]
** [[wikipedia:Cockatiel|Cockatiels]], [[wikipedia:Bourke's parrot|Rose Bourke Parrots]], [[wikipedia:Red-rumped parrot|Red Rumped Parrots]]
** [[wikipedia:Caique|Caiques]], [[wikipedia:Senegal parrot|Senegals]], [[wikipedia:Conure|Conures]], [[wikipedia:Rosella|Rosellas]], [[wikipedia:Kākāriki|Kakariki Parrots]], [[wikipedia:Monk parakeet|Monk Parakeets]]
** [[wikipedia:Grey parrot|African Grey Parrots]], [[wikipedia:Orange-winged amazon|Orange-winged Amazons]], [[wikipedia:Galah|Galah Cockatoos]]
** [[wikipedia:Moluccan cockatoo|Moluccan Cockatoos]], [[wikipedia:Triton cockatoo|Triton Cockatoos]], [[wikipedia:Little corella|Bare-eyed Cockatoos]], [[wikipedia:Eclectus parrot|Eclectus Parrots]]
** [[wikipedia:Blue-and-yellow macaw|Bolivian Blue-and-Gold Macaws]], [[wikipedia:Green-winged macaw|Green-winged Macaws]]

'''Animals:'''
** [[wikipedia:Persian cat|Persian Cats]], [[wikipedia:Ongole cattle|Ponnuru Cows]]

'''Reptiles:'''
** [[wikipedia:Iguana|Iguanas]], [[wikipedia:Leopard tortoise|Leopard Tortoises]], [[wikipedia:African spurred tortoise|Sulcata Tortoises]]

'''Eulipotyphla Mammals:'''
** [[wikipedia:Hedgehog|Hedgehogs]]

'''Marsupials:'''
** [[wikipedia:Sugar glider|Sugar Gliders]]

'''Primates:'''
** [[wikipedia:Common marmoset|Common White-tufted Marmosets]], [[wikipedia:Red-handed tamarin|Red-handed Tamarins]]

The farm also maintains a curated [[wikipedia:Botanical garden|botanical garden]] consisting of 26 varieties of trees and plants. This serves as an internal source of food for the animals, promoting self-sufficiency and contributing to [[wikipedia:Environmental conservation|environmental conservation]] and [[wikipedia:Sustainability|sustainability]].

== Mission and Vision ==
[[File:Archana_1.jpg|alt=Archana 1|thumb]]
Dhunn’s core mission is to promote species preservation through compassionate captivity. The initiative recognizes the threats posed by [[wikipedia:Urbanization|urbanization]] and [[wikipedia:Climate change|climate change]] to natural habitats. It believes that under responsible ownership — with proper [[wikipedia:Veterinary medicine|veterinary care]], habitat regulation, and ethical compliance — exotic pets can thrive in safe environments.

== Educational Outreach ==
Access to the farm is by prior appointment, and the facility caters primarily to:

* [[wikipedia:Government school|Government schools]] and selected private institutions
* Students pursuing [[wikipedia:Environmental science|environmental science]], [[wikipedia:Botany|botany]], or [[wikipedia:Zoology|zoology]]
* School groups involved in eco-awareness and educational field trips

'''Educational visit levels include:'''

* '''Pre-primary:''' Emotional bonding and basic interaction with animals
* '''Primary:''' Observing daily routines and basic behavioral patterns
* '''Secondary:''' Learning about emotional and nutritional needs of animals
* '''Higher Secondary:''' Career-oriented guidance in [[wikipedia:Zoology|zoology]], [[wikipedia:Veterinary medicine|veterinary science]], and animal welfare

Other initiatives include:

* [[wikipedia:Environmental education|Eco-week]] programs for children with special needs
* Reptile rescue awareness and volunteer programs
* [[wikipedia:Seed|Seed]] distribution and plant giveaways
* Nest box installations and [[wikipedia:Bird feeding|bird feeding]] campaigns

== History ==
The roots of Dhunn trace back to 1992, when founders Archana Shailesh Patel and her brother Chirag Satish Bhatt began caring for pets, starting with [[wikipedia:Dog|dogs]]. Their journey evolved into hands-on training in dog behavior, [[wikipedia:Animal rescue group|animal rescue]], and eventually the launch of "Gypsypets," a dog boarding facility, in 1996.

A milestone came in 2002 with their involvement in the rescue of a [[wikipedia:Leopard|leopard]] cub, a life-changing experience that strengthened their commitment to wildlife care. With mentorship from noted [[wikipedia:Zoologist|zoologist]] Dr. Govindbhai Patel (former superintendent of [[wikipedia:Kankaria Zoo|Kankaria Zoo]]), they gained experience in reptile rescue and exotic pet handling.

After relocating to [[wikipedia:Dharmaj|Dharmaj]], Dr. Archana Patel revived and expanded the dream, transforming it into a full-fledged exotic farm with a growing number of species and eco-awareness goals.

== Key Milestones ==

Foundation of Dhunn – The Petting Farm in 2019

Official registration under Dhunn Charitable Trust on 15 May 2025

Securing forest and [[wikipedia:Wildlife management|wildlife clearances]] for exotic species housing

Establishing a shelter for over 350 exotic lives across 48 species

Training and mentoring six local reptile rescue volunteers under Dr. Archana Patel
== See Also ==

* [[wikipedia:Wildlife Protection Act, 1972|Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]
* [[wikipedia:PARIVESH|Parivesh Portal]]
* [[wikipedia:Conservation in India|Conservation in India]]
* [[wikipedia:Animal rescue|Animal rescue]]