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Dhunn – The Petting Farm
| Dhunn – The Petting Farm | |
| Type | NGO |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founders |
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| Location | Dharmaj, Gujarat, India |
| Industry | Exotic Pet Farming and Research |
| Employees | 8 |
Dhunn – The Petting Farm is a distinctive initiative operated by the non-profit entity Dhunn Charitable Trust, based in Dharmaj, Gujarat, India. Established in 2019 and formally registered on 15 May 2025, the organization manages a private petting farm that houses more than 48 exotic species. The farm is dedicated to promoting animal welfare, 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 birds, mammals, reptiles, and primates. Operating in full compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended in 2019 and 2022) and the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, it maintains detailed records on the Parivesh Portal for all exotic species in its care.
Species hosted at the farm include:
Birds:
- Finches, Parrotlets, Budgerigars, Lovebirds
- Cockatiels, Rose Bourke Parrots, Red Rumped Parrots
- Caiques, Senegals, Conures, Rosellas, Kakariki Parrots, Monk Parakeets
- African Grey Parrots, Orange-winged Amazons, Galah Cockatoos
- Moluccan Cockatoos, Triton Cockatoos, Bare-eyed Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots
- Bolivian Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Green-winged Macaws
Animals:
Reptiles:
Eulipotyphla Mammals:
Marsupials:
Primates:
The farm also maintains a curated 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 environmental conservation and sustainability.
Mission and Vision
Dhunn’s core mission is to promote species preservation through compassionate captivity. The initiative recognizes the threats posed by urbanization and climate change to natural habitats. It believes that under responsible ownership — with proper 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:
- Government schools and selected private institutions
- Students pursuing environmental science, botany, or 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 zoology, veterinary science, and animal welfare
Other initiatives include:
- Eco-week programs for children with special needs
- Reptile rescue awareness and volunteer programs
- Seed distribution and plant giveaways
- Nest box installations and 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 dogs. Their journey evolved into hands-on training in dog behavior, 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 leopard cub, a life-changing experience that strengthened their commitment to wildlife care. With mentorship from noted zoologist Dr. Govindbhai Patel (former superintendent of Kankaria Zoo), they gained experience in reptile rescue and exotic pet handling.
After relocating to 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 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