Namaste with Nature
- T Michele Walker
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Florida Embraces the Animal Yoga Trend. From goats to birds, elephants to dogs, animal yoga offers a unique twist.
It was a sweltering July morning in Florida, as a group of yoga enthusiasts undeterred by the heat, gather at Wildflower Farm in Orlando..
They’re here for a special class: yoga with baby goats.
As a yoga-lover, the idea of yoga with animals was an intriguing, yet intimidating concept. Because it was my first time, I was initially skeptical. How would it feel to be in child’s pose balancing a baby goat on my back? Was I up to the challenge?
As the session began, an adorable tiny goat playfully head-butted me as I held my pose, downward-facing dog. Its fur tickles my leg as I transition into warrior pose, and I couldn’t help but laugh at its curious antics.
During the popular goat yoga classes at Wildflower Farm, the instructors patiently guide the class through a series of poses, while the goats do what goats do best: wander around, nibbling on mats, occasionally leaping onto a yogi’s back, and bringing a sense of joy to all they greet.
What a surprise to find that instead of being a distraction, the playful energy and pure joy from the goats made my yoga experience even more satisfying. One purpose of yoga is to connect to nature and to be present in the moment. Mission accomplished, as I felt myself losing all sense of time. The laughter in the class was a welcome release to the stress of my busy day and the class was over in seemingly record time. I am officially a goat yoga addict.
Wildflower Farm isn’t the only place where a Floridian can experience the delightful combination of animals and yoga. In other parts of Florida, similar animal yoga experiences are flourishing.
At the Myakka Elephant Ranch in Manatee County, participants stretch alongside majestic elephants, finding a sense of tranquility and connection with these gentle giants.
Chase Sanctuary offers lemur yoga, where playful lemurs added a unique element of interaction to the practice.
Big Cat Habitat hosts “Wild Yoga,” where the sounds of big cats in their habitats provide a powerful backdrop to the yoga flow.
And for those seeking a more traditional yet equally heartwarming experience, doga (yoga with dogs) and cat yoga are popular choices, allowing individuals to deepen their bond with their beloved pets while achieving greater flexibility and relaxation.
There is science to back up the newfound popularity of humans and animals practicing yoga side-by-side. The health and healing benefits of animal therapy have been used in many forms of rehabilitation. According to goatyoga.com, animals can enhance emotional well-being, promote mindfulness, and strengthen the human-animal bond.
As I rolled up my mat, took a swig from my water bottle and walked to my car, I knew this wouldn’t be my last visit to Wildflower Farm. It wasn’t just about the poses and balancing the extra weight of a baby goat on your back; it was about the joy, the connection, and the gentle reminder that sometimes, the best way to find your center is by sharing your mat with a furry friend.
Human/Animal Yoga classes and locations in Florida:
Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga At Alaska Farms in Orlando offers yoga with a mix of mini goats.
Wildflower Farm Orlando, specializes in baby goat yoga and farm events.
YogaMix in downtown Orlando offers goat yoga classes in a studio setting.
Grady Goat Yoga Tampa Bay in Thonotosassa provides weekly charity goat yoga sessions.
Oak Aged Farm in St. Cloud offers goat yoga, along with other animal interactions and pony parties.
24 Karat Ranch in Loxahatchee Groves (Palm Beach county) has goat yoga sessions with baby dwarf goats, integrated with nature healing and farm animal assisted wellness.
Happy Goat Adventures in Altamonte Springs offers Goat Yoga and Movie Night on the Farm, along with other goat-related adventures.
Puppy Yoga
Puppy Sphere in Miami offers puppy-centric yoga events.
YogaMix in Orlando has also hosted "Puppy Flow" classes.
Kitty Yoga
Peaceful Peacock Orlando has hosted kitty yoga events.
Equine Assisted Yoga/Therapy
Crossroads Corral in Longwood uses horses to promote personal growth and healing.
Saskia Farms in Starke combines yoga with equine services.
Yin Yang Healing Arts, LLC in Gulf Breeze incorporates the healing power of horses and nature into somatic yoga classes for those dealing with trauma.
Other Animal-Assisted Therapy (potentially including yoga)
Exhale & Paws in Miami Beach offers a wellness program including Animal-Assisted Therapy, Brainspotting, and Movement Therapy.
Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. in Oakland Park focuses on pet therapy visits for individuals with special needs, veterans, and others, potentially including yoga in their therapeutic approaches.
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