By Janet Cruz

Goats, mini horses and some adorable chickens are all part of Snake Bites Havazoo Petting Zoo located in Lake Havasu Heights.

The petting zoo is not a typical zoo. It is also home to Scott and Yvonne St. John. The couple welcomes families and children to view their personal animals on their property every Saturday.

“All of our animals are very friendly with the exception of our pig “Boots” – he is the grumpy one. Overall, they really love the visitors,” Yvonne St. John said. “We love our animals everyday we are cleaning, feeding and taking care of them and it doesn’t feel like a job. We love waking up every morning to do this.”

St. John, used to ride horses, and after an injury, she had to give up riding. The couple eventually moved to Lake Havasu City in 2005 from Chicago Ill., where Scott St. John later worked for the Lake Havasu Police Department before retiring. The couple had more time on their hands so Yvonne eventually decided to raise chickens, goats and brought over mini horses because of her love of horses.

Bristol Van Tassel, Piper Sepulveda, and Daytona Van Tassel hold chickens at HavasZoo Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Snake Bites Havazoo grew with more animals, which include pigs, turtles, rescued burros and a farm dog named “Houdi” who helps run Havazoo. Together with her husband and a volunteer, they also make sure the animals are cared for.

“I love spending time with all the animals, the St. Johns are a wonderful couple and take great care of them,” said volunteer and neighbor, Jan Robertson. “We have cool misters installed and shade for the animals when the temperatures reach high levels,” she said.

“We also take the time, to brush our mini horses hair to make sure they stay untangled,” Scott said. “We also limit our petting zoo hours and day to Saturdays in the morning due to the heat,” he said.

Jan Robertson cares for “Jackson” at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

There are many activities for young children to participate in and lots of things to see on the property. There is a wooden play house with running water and electricity, there are games and free popcorn every Saturday.

“It’s wonderful to see the smiles on the kids faces,” Yvonne said. “That brings us so much joy to see them say they can’t wait to do it again.”

Snake Bites Havazoo is open to the public on Saturdays during the summer 8 to 11 a.m. There are also mini horse rides available until 10 a.m. Admission is free to the public.

For more information, contact the St. Johns at ysjinaz@gmail.com or call 928-230-6051. The petting zoo is located on 7769 N. Seely Drive in Havasu Heights.

Snakebite Ranch is located at 7769 Seely Drive in Havasu Heights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Scott St. John pets his donkey “Smokey Lonesome” at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Slim Shady” eats his hay at HavaZoo and is a BLM rescue. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Yvonne St. John brushes “Jackson’s” mane at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The St. John’s ranch dog, Houdi, watches as the other animals are being cared for at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Cloudy” walks around the pen at HavaZoo in Havasu Heights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Yvonne and Scott St. John at their Snakebite Ranch in Havasu Heights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

A playground for kids is set up at HavaZoo in Havasu Heights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

A tortoise habitat is one of the many things to see at Snakebite Ranch in Havasu Heights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Yvonne St. John hands a chicken to Piper Sepulveda at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Bristol Van Tassel holds a chicken at HavaZoo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Bristol Van Tassel, Piper Sepulveda, and Daytona Van Tassel hold chickens at HavasZoo Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene