From Humble Beginnings to Valley Favorite (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Henderson – Nancy Rouas has operated Petting Zoo 2 U from her rural property for nearly 30 years, delivering joy to birthday parties, festivals and church events across the Las Vegas Valley. Her two dromedary camels, Moses and Abraham, have become local celebrities, drawing crowds at parks and senior centers with their gentle demeanor. Now, a classification dispute threatens to uproot them after a routine inspection escalated into a permit battle with city officials.[1][2]
From Humble Beginnings to Valley Favorite
Rouas launched Petting Zoo 2 U in 1997 with a handful of goats, chickens and rabbits. The mobile operation quickly expanded, transporting animals to schools, nativity scenes and community gatherings. Moses joined the fold in 2013 at six months old, standing today at 7 feet 4 inches tall after a journey from an Oklahoma seller. Abraham followed, completing the pair that now captivates visitors wherever they appear.[1][2]
Residents often spot the camels grazing peacefully on Rouas’ 1.5-acre Southeast Henderson lot. No neighbor complaints surfaced in the 13 years they resided there, underscoring their quiet integration into the community. Rouas releases pigeons for weddings and funerals alongside her petting zoo services, blending business with heartfelt traditions.[3]
The 2024 Inspection That Changed Everything
Trouble brewed in 2024 when a Henderson Animal Protection Services officer visited Rouas’ property. The officer deemed the camels exotic animals prohibited within city limits, aligning with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines the city follows. This marked a shift from years of uneventful operation, coinciding with a federal reclassification of camels.[2]…