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Dhunn – The Petting Farm
Dhunn – The Petting Farm 
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| Type | NGO |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founders |
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| Location | Dharmaj, Gujarat, India |
| Industry | Exotic Pet Farming and Research |
| Employees | 8 |
Dhunn – The Petting Farm, managed by the non-profit entity Dhunn Charitable Trust, is an NGO based in Dharmaj, Gujarat, India. Founded in 2019 and registered on 15 May 2025, the organization operates a private petting farm housing over 48 exotic species and aims to raise awareness about animal welfare, environmental conservation, and responsible exotic pet ownership.
Overview
The farm provides shelter and care for more than 350+ livelihoods, including birds, animals, reptiles, and primates. It operates in strict compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (as amended in 2019 and 2022) and the guidelines of the Indian forestry department, maintaining records on the Parivesh Portal for all exotic species under its care.
Species hosted at the farm include:
- Birds:
- Finches, Parrotlets, Budgerigars, Lovebirds
- Cockatiels, Rose Bourke Parrot, Red Rumped Parrot
- Caiques, Senegals, Conures, Rosellas, Kakariki Parrots, Monk Parakeets
- African Grey Parrots, Orange-winged Amazons, Galah Cockatoos
- Moluccan Cockatoo, Tritone Cockatoo, Bare Eye Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot
- Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw, Green-winged Macaw
- Animals:
- Reptiles:
- Eulipotyphla Mammals:
- Marsupials:
The farm also maintains a small botanical garden with 26 types of trees and plants used to produce food for the animals, reducing cost and promoting environmental sustainability.
Mission and Vision
Dhunn’s mission is to promote the concept of saving species through compassionate captivity, recognizing the challenges wild habitats face due to urbanization and climate change. The organization believes exotic pets can thrive under responsible human care when proper veterinary attention, habitat clearance, and regulatory compliance are ensured.
Educational Outreach
The farm is open to visitors by prior appointment and mainly serves:
- Government schools and select private institutions
- Students pursuing environmental, botanical, or zoological research
- School groups for educational field trips and eco-awareness programs
Four levels of school visits are organized:
- Pre-primary – interaction and emotional bonding with animals
- Primary – understanding daily routines and animal behaviors
- Secondary – nutritional, emotional needs and responsibilities of pet care
- Higher Secondary – career guidance in zoology, veterinary sciences, and animal care
Other initiatives include:
- Eco-week celebrations for special-needs students
- Reptile rescue education and volunteer training
- Seed and plant distribution drives
- Nest box placements and bird feed distribution programs
History
Dhunn’s roots date back to 1992, when founders Archana Shailesh Patel and her brother Chirag Satish Bhatt began working with pets, starting with dogs. Their passion led to dog training apprenticeships, animal rescue volunteering, and founding a dog hostel named "Gypsypets" in 1996.
Their pivotal experience came in 2002 when they assisted in the rescue of a leopard cub, which deepened their commitment to wildlife care. With guidance from veteran zoologist Dr. Govindbhai Patel (ex-zoo superintendent at Kankaria Zoo), they gained experience in reptile rescue and exotic species care.
After moving to Dharmaj, Dr. Archana Patel resumed the dream by relocating and expanding the farm, gradually including birds, cats, reptiles, and exotic mammals.
Key Milestones
- Foundation of Dhunn – The Petting Farm in 2019
- Registration under Dhunn Charitable Trust on 15 May 2025
- Wildlife and forest clearance obtained for exotic pet care
- Hosting 48 exotic species with over 350+ individual lives
- Training six village-based reptile rescuers under founder Dr. Archana Patel