A familiar face in Conway has found a new home, and we are honored to welcome him to the Pediatrics Plus Farm.
Darius, the friendly donkey who became a favorite among families walking the Tucker Creek Trail, has officially joined our growing family of farm animals. While many in the community know him for his gentle personality and love of meeting new people, we're excited for the role he'll now play in helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
At Pediatrics Plus, the farm is much more than a beautiful setting. Every garden, barn, trail, and animal is intentionally incorporated into therapy to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Darius will become part of those everyday moments as children help feed him, groom him, care for him, and simply spend time alongside him.
These experiences encourage communication, social interaction, responsibility, and confidence in a way that feels natural and engaging. For many children, interacting with animals can spark conversations, build trust, and create opportunities to practice everyday life skills outside of a traditional therapy environment.
"We're excited for Darius to become part of our farm family," said Krista Tapp, Chief Operating Officer of Pediatrics Plus. "Our children will have opportunities to feed him, groom him, and care for him while building communication, social skills, and confidence through real-life experiences. That's what makes the farm so special—learning happens naturally through meaningful activities."
Darius joins an innovative therapy environment where children participate in activities like gardening, cooking, caring for animals, exploring nature, and working together with peers. By combining Applied Behavior Analysis, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy with real-world experiences, the Pediatrics Plus Farm helps children develop skills they can use every day.
Although Darius is starting a new chapter, his impact on the Conway community is far from over. Now, instead of greeting walkers along the trail, he'll be greeting children each day with the same gentle spirit that made so many people fall in love with him.
Welcome to the farm, Darius. We can't wait to see the lives you'll touch.