SHELBY, Ohio – When you think of yoga, calm music, smooth stretching or deep breathing techniques might come to mind. Nowadays, animal-themed yoga has gained popularity, from goats to dogs to cats.

One Ohio farm offers a physical, mental and spiritual discipline that is taking Ohio by storm – otter yoga.

Otter yoga takes place at Westmeister Farms in Shelby, and features Harbor and Cove, two small-clawed Asian otters. The two mammals are under the direction of yoga instructor Trish Sexstella, owner of Meta Soul Yoga Studio in Shelby. Harbor and Cove were raised on Westmeister Farm and are highly socialized, making them comfortable around visitors.

“I do virtual yoga all over and I also do international yoga retreats, as well as conduct yoga workshops,” Sexstella said. “I’ve been teaching yoga for 11 years and was looking for different types of yoga events to do when Westmeister Farm reached out to me. I had assumed they wanted me to hold some type of goat yoga on the farm or hold yoga classes around the cows or some other animal, but they asked if I would try holding otter classes. Since they were already allowing the public to swim and paint with otters we decided to give it a try.”

Westmeister Farm, a family-owned establishment, opened to the public in 2023 and gained in popularity due to a viral TikTok video showcasing its animals. It has become a sought-after destination for animal enthusiasts and families seeking unique experiences. About 90 minutes from Cleveland, the farm offers private tours that allow visitors to interact closely with a variety of animals. The farm is open year-round, accommodating visitors in all seasons.

The farm is home to over a dozen species, including both native and exotic animals such as a two-toed sloth named Charleigh, a zebra named Lincoln, kangaroos, African crested porcupines, and Eurasian eagle owls. But the otter duo and their involvement with yoga classes have become the highlight at this farm.

Because otters tend to follow their own agenda, yoga classes are less about perfect poses and more about enjoying the moment. Participants are encouraged to do “as much or as little yoga” as they want, even if it means taking an “otter nap” or offering belly rubs. The farm has just three rules: no jewelry, no hair clips and no items in pockets.

And for Sexstella, watching people interact with the otters is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

“I love seeing the genuine joy, the carefreeness, the laughter, the giggles,” she said. “For a couple hours each month, nothing else matters. It’s super wholesome, unstaged, unfiltered – just natural, genuine joy.”

Each session includes a trained handler to ensure safety and to protect the otters’ independence. And Sexstella said the animals truly enjoy the experience as well.

“They absolutely love it,” she said. “They even strike little yoga poses from time to time. It’s stimulating for them, and they need that. And those in the yoga classes oftentimes book a second and third class because they have such a blast.”

Sexstella said the farm is planning to add capybaras to its farm yoga classes.

“Capybaras are in the rodent family and they’re super cute, very friendly and they’re a little more docile than the otters, but for right now there’s Harbor and Cove. They have their own personalities. They’re little treasure goblins. Harbor and Cove are known for their curiosity and their thievery. They’ll unscrew things, unzip things. They go into pockets, up shirts, down pants. They’re very mischievous.”

Each class is $80 per person; tickets must be purchased in advance. (As of press time, bookings have already been made six months in advance.) Kids 10 years and older are allowed with an accompanying adult.

“It opens up a door for people who may not otherwise try yoga,” Sexstella said. “Some people show up just for the event, and then they email me later and start doing regular classes. It’s a good way to segue that into their lives. Plus, the bonus of a little animal therapy.”

Another standout at Westmeister Farm is its “Swimming with Otters” encounter. As the first USDA-certified facility in Ohio to offer this experience, visitors can swim with otters in a controlled environment. The farm’s otters, River and Sailor, are known for their playful nature.

During private tours, guests can hold, feed and learn about a variety of animals in an intimate setting. The tours, priced at $45 per person, last up to two hours and include animal feed.

Westmeister Farm is at 4097 Plymouth Springmill Road, Shelby, Ohio. Reservations can be made at https://westmeister-farms.square.site/s/appointments.