Palmer Musk Ox Farm invites moms for Mother’s Day
The farm had three new calves born this spring
PALMER, Alaska (KTUU) - Ever since the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer opened its doors in 1986, it’s offered moms free admission on Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.
On Sunday, May 11, moms get in free, and donations are accepted from everyone else. The best part? It’s a chance to see new musk ox mothers and their babies up close.
So far this year, the farm has welcomed three calves, all from first-time moms. In keeping with its tradition of using themes for naming, Education Director Dani Biersteker said staff chose weasel family names this year. The calves are Marten, Otter, and Fisher. Biersteker said more calves may be on the way, but with muskoxen, it can be difficult to tell.
“We have three that are still on watch till the beginning of June, so there’s always a chance for another one,” she said. “But we joke that the most scientific way to know if a musk ox is pregnant is if they have a calf.”
Biersteker said the Mother’s Day tradition has brought families to the farm year after year and given people a chance to watch calves grow up since the animals stay at the farm for life.
“It’s truly a privilege to get to watch these guys grow up and become their own individual little musk ox and to grow into individual personalities throughout their lives,” Biersteker said.
She said Mother’s Day will offer self-guided tours of the farm, although staff will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be family activities and story times that day. The Musk Ox Farm website will list when various activities take place.
The Musk Ox Farm’s Mother’s Day hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm is located at 12850 E Archie Road in Palmer.
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