Students unwind with furry friends at UTC petting zoo

October 1, 2025Angela Foster

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library and the Office of Student and Family Engagement brought a petting zoo to campus, giving students a chance to relax and connect with animals between classes. The event, held on Chamberlain Field, featured friendly farm animals including goats, sheep, rabbits, miniature cows and ponies.

Photo gallery by Angela Foster

Close-up of a sheep with mottled tan and black wool looking toward the camera while a smiling student wearing glasses and a blue tie-dye shirt kneels behind it under a blue tent.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Group of students kneeling and reaching out to pet a small, fluffy Highland cow with reddish-brown fur on a grassy lawn; other animals and people are visible in the background.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Student in a pink baseball cap and gray College of Business sweatshirt smiling while kneeling next to a black-and-white goat wearing a collar and chain lead.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Student with long wavy hair and glasses brushing the forehead of a shaggy Highland cow under a sunny sky; other students and tents in the background.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Student leaning over a wire pen to pet a large white rabbit stretched out on the grass; people sitting in chairs are visible in the background.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Two students, one seated and one kneeling, petting a small Highland cow under a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga tent while several other students stand and watch.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Smiling student with short, light-orange hair leaning close to a small Highland cow with long reddish fur, gently touching its head.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Two students kneeling on grass and smiling at the camera while petting a small cream-colored llama; one flashes a peace sign and the other holds a soda can.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Student smiling while holding an iced coffee and standing close to a small brown-and-white pony wearing a green halter; the pony nuzzles toward the drink.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Student kneeling on grass and gently petting the face of a small gray donkey with a green halter while people and tents are visible in the background.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

Students smile and reach out to pet a small shaggy Highland cow standing under a blue University of Tennessee at Chattanooga tent during an outdoor campus event.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.

A smiling student crouches on the grass and gently pets a light-colored llama wearing a halter during the UTC petting zoo event.

Students pet animals at the Petting Zoo Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 on Chamberlain Field.