petting zoo

American  

noun

• petting zoos
  plural

1. a zoo, or a special part of a larger zoo, where children may hold and stroke and sometimes feed small or young animals.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• petting zoos
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

petting zoo

The companies also offer recommendations, like giving certain supplements or bringing babies to a petting zoo, which they said can improve children’s microbiomes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 3, 2026

The opening of Galaxy’s Edge was monumental — not just replacing a petting zoo and barbecue restaurant, but reshaping Disneyland’s Rivers of America and taking over a whopping 14 acres.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025

Owner Kristine Keltgen recently bought the zebras and was transporting them from Lewis County to Montana, where she runs a 7-acre petting zoo.

From Seattle Times ● May 1, 2024

A spokesperson said: "It was a peaceful, non-violent demonstration. We want Fiona to be rehomed at a sanctuary rather than a petting zoo"

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2023

"Do your homework right away. I'm going to ask Hannah if she'll drive us over to the petting zoo."

From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene