By Sara Eisinger - Contributor
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a century- old family property is finding new life as a farm attraction, animal rescue and hands-on educational experience for visitors exploring the region.
Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue and Petting Zoo, founded in 2021 by Josh Anthony and his family, has grown from a single rescued horse into a family-run desti- nation featuring rescued animals, gem mining, a mobile petting zoo and a renovated Airbnb — all rooted in more than 100 years of family history. “The rescue just kind of fell into our laps,” Anthony said. “I never guessed this is what we’d be doing.”
The journey started with Apache, a gentle Tennessee Walking Horse Anthony describes as unforgettable.
“He was one of a kind,” Anthony said. “Good with kids, good with everyone.” As Apache grew older and became sick, the Anthony family began taking in animals people could no longer care for, including abused and neglected livestock. Today, the family’s approximately 15-acre property is home to goats, sheep, rabbits, lambs and chickens in the rescue and petting zoo, while a separate family farm area houses pigs, peacocks, turkeys and other livestock.
Anthony said rescue animals are carefully introduced to visitors only after they become comfortable around people.
“When a new animal comes to the rescue, my wife Angel and the kids play with them and love on them,” he said. “If I see they do good with us, I put them in the petting zoo.”
The business has become a full family operation. Anthony’s children, Corbin, 10, and Peyton, 12, help feed, water and clean up after the animals every day after school.
“In the summer, they help collect eggs,” Anthony said.
The farm itself carries deep roots for the Anthony family.
“I grew up on the same property,” Anthony said. “My great-grandfather grew up here, my grandfather, my father, me and now our kids.” Anthony hopes the rescue and petting zoo will one day be passed down to the next generation.
“My goal is to build the petting zoo and rescue up so the kids can take over,” he said.
The family’s plans may also include in-house veterinary care. Anthony’s brother, Aaron Anthony, is expected to graduate next year from Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center and plans to serve as the rescue’s veterinarian.
The property is also home to Betty Jean's Gem Mine, a longtime family business founded by Anthony’s great-grandmother. Revenue from gem mining, gift sales and a newly renovated Airbnb that sleeps up to eight guests helps support the rescue and care for its animals. Guests staying at the Airbnb also receive free access to the petting zoo.
“There are some weeks I won’t get paid because I have to make sure the animals are taken care of,” Anthony said. “That’s where my wife steps in to help from her job.”
Beyond the farm, Anthony also operates a mobile petting zoo, bringing animals to schools, nursing homes and community programs throughout the region. “We’ve been to Sylva Valley Health and Rehab,” he said. “We’ve been to East and West Elementary schools and Bright Adventures.”
Anthony said one of the most rewarding parts of the business is introducing visitors to farm life, especially those unfamiliar with animals or rural living.
“I love being around animals every day and meeting new people from all over the country and outside of it,” he said. “Our kids learn about other cultures and how to respect others.”
He recalled one visitor from New York City who spent hours learning about farm life.
“I had a lady in her 40s from New York City stay until closing,” Anthony said. “She had never seen a farm animal. I showed her where eggs come from. She didn’t know. It opened her eyes.”
Anthony said the gem mine and petting zoo now attract between 500 and 1,200 visitors each week, though he hopes to see more local families take advantage of the attraction. “I would love to see more of the community come,” he said. “We have picnic tables out there. Stop in. We are always looking for ideas to get people out here.”
The Anthony family is also exploring plans to host outdoor movie nights for children next summer.
Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue and Petting Zoo is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The business closes Sundays for church and Mondays and Tuesdays for farm chores and maintenance.
Admission is $10 for adults and children older than 2.
Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue and Petting Zoo is located at 2280 Highway 19 South, Bryson City.