EAST LANSING, Mich. — Know some non-ag people? Pass the word that they and their children can enjoy spending a day with the animals, during Michigan State University’s annual Small Animals Day.

The event is April 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the MSU Pavilion, at the corner of Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road on MSU’s East Lansing campus. Admission is $2 per person, and parking is available at the pavilion.

For more than 35 years, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has hosted the event to introduce the whole community to a variety of animals and agricultural practices.

"Small Animals Day is not just for children," said Dorcia Chaison, assistant director of undergraduate programs and event coordinator. "People of all ages can enjoy the animals and learn from the experience.

"It’s a way for individuals of all ages to connect with agriculture in a hands-on environment. We try to make it as consumer-friendly as possible."

Animals from various MSU farms will be on display and available for visitors to interact with. In addition, visitors may partake in a petting zoo provided by Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo of Reed City, Mich.

"We will have a variety of traditional farm animals including goats, sheep, rabbits, chicks, cattle and more," Chaison said.

"Visitors also can try their hand at milking a cow."

In addition, non-traditional farm animals such as spiders and snakes will be available during the event. Chaison said more than 250 volunteers make the day possible for as many as 5,500 visitors.

"It’s an event that brings a lot of people to campus," she added, "and it gives us an opportunity to help them better understand animal agriculture and break misconceptions about the industry."

For more information, contact Chaison at 517-355-0235 or chaison@msu.edu