Group looks to fundraise with wallaby event

A local animal advocacy group looks to fundraise for stray pets this winter by inviting residents for a day of petting wallabies and painting at Portales’ Enchanted Vineyard on Saturday.

Jessica Boisseau, president of Llano Estacado Animal Advocacy, said the two-part event was put together by Hillcrest Park Zoo and Williams Livestock Ranch. Guests of all ages can pet a wallaby and a few baby goats.

“We need to engage with the community and show them the value of animal life. Get them interacting with animals. … This non-profit will be working towards educational outreach with people in the area,” Boisseau said.

Boisseau said the funds gathered at the event will be used to provide provisions for stray animals within the Clovis and Portales area.

“We have been trying to improve the quality of life of animals in eastern New Mexico, specifically in Clovis and Portales. But hopefully our reach will get beyond that as well,” Boisseau said.

Boisseau said the petting zoo will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Boisseau said the wallaby at the event was recently added to the zoo over the summer and that she is excited to show residents how the animal kingdom has increased in Clovis.

“A wallaby is a small macropod, which is native to Australia and New Guinea. They look like miniature kangaroos,” Boisseau said.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the fundraiser will focus on adults – a wine tasting and opportunity to paint fall portraits with an instructor from Just Kiln Me Now.

Cost for the petting zoo will be $5 for adults and kids who are 6 and up. Admission is $3 for children 5 and under.

For the paint and sip event, tickets are $40 per person. That includes one glass of wine and all art supplies.