A mobile petting zoo and rent-a-goat mower service wasn’t what Angel Reyes had in mind when he began rebuilding a horse trailer a couple of years ago.

Reyes had worked as a welder for more than a decade and decided to embark on a major project. “About two years ago I decided to rebuild a horse trailer, paint it and sell it,” he said. However, once the trailer was finished, he decided to keep it. The trailer not only became a vehicle for rescuing some animals, but a way for him and his wife, Kelsey, to transport furry and feathered animals for their Hidden Magnolia Farms Mobile Petting Zoo. It has also come in handy for their goat mowing service — a way for people to rid their property of weeds along fence rows and other areas.

The Reyes family moved from California to Tennessee in 2007. Three years later, while attending high school in Chapel Hill, Angel met Kelsey. “I was in ninth grade and he was in 10th grade,” Kelsey said. The couple were married in 2013 and now have a five-year old daughter, Natalie, and a two-month old son, Mateo. Kelsey enrolled in cosmetology school in Fayetteville and worked as a beautician for about 13 years, until their family began to grow. Two years ago, the couple moved from Chapel Hill to Lincoln County to acreage at a lesser price. They have since been building their collection of farm animals. Two cats have also joined the family.

“I have been a horse lover all my life,” said Kelsey. Her parents told her she could have any animals she wanted. “I had a little of everything,” she said. Now, in addition to a horse, two ponies, a bunch of goats, a special needs duck, chickens, rabbits, they have a calf named Romeo.

Hidden Magnolia Farm recently brought its mobile petting zoo to the Kids Zone at the Slawburger Festival for children of all ages to enjoy. Kelsey said she was surprised that one child had never seen a live chicken.

Kelsey said she is considering a homeschool enrichment program. “We would focus on one animal per session.” Children would learn facts about the animal and how it’s cared for. She envisions starting with a goat, teaching a craft and treating the children to a snack.

Hidden Magnolia Farms mobile petting zoo accepts bookings for special events, festivals and birthday parties around southern middle Tennessee and northern Alabama. To schedule a special event or party, call 931-637-8569 or follow them on Facebook at Hidden Magnolia Farm.

Angel works full time at their business. Among the other services offered are equipment transport, livestock hauling, hay and bulk shaving delivery for middle Tennessee and northern Alabama. He is an experienced driver, Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) compliant and fully insured. He can be reached at 931-6397024.