SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
ach time 2-yearold James Luciani of New York flies down to stay with his grandparents in The Villages, a trip to Uncle Donald’s Farm is always on the agenda. “Papa, E-I-E-I-O,” is the cute way the boy lets grandfather James Luciani know when he’s ready to visit the Lady Lake farm. On an August morning, his wish comes true. The boy’s eyes light up as he’s surrounded
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Baa! Moo! Quack! A world of fascinating critters awaits at Uncle Donald’s Farm. STORY: JAMES COMBS
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
by different species of animals. Reaching into a small brown bag, he pulls out small pieces of corn and gently throws the food to a white-tailed deer standing in an enclosed pen. Fifteen minutes later, he takes a hayride through a cow pasture. As the tractor stops, several cows of varying colors approach. James stands up, grabs a handful of hay and allows cows to eat out of his hands. “Our grandson loves it here because there are so many animals to see,” says the boy’s grandmother, Joanne. For 40 years, Uncle Donald’s Farm has provided an equally enjoyable experience for countless children and adults. The 50-acre property is a working farm where the owners sell fresh eggs and produce products such as goat milk soap. However, the farm doubles as an attraction, allowing the public to see more than 250 animals that include both livestock and wildlife. In these trying times of coronavirus and civil unrest, a little animal therapy might be just what the doctor ordered. “People are far removed from agriculture in this country,” says Beth Morris, who owns the farm with her two sisters, Donna and Jeannette Morris. “When they come out here, they enjoy learning about the
