Maymont Farm Welcomes Maddie, an Irish Dexter Calf

 

Richmond, Virginia – Maymont welcomed a new calf this month to Maymont Farm. Maddie is a copper-colored Irish Dexter heifer who was born in December at Mad Kettle Farm in Frederick County, Virginia. She and Hampton, who has called Maymont home since 2021, quickly warmed up to each other in the pasture at Maymont Farm, which is also home to horses, goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, chickens, ducks and a Sicilian donkey.

“Maddie seems to have adjusted quickly to her forever home at Maymont, and our young male steer named Hampton looks happy to have a new companion in the pasture,” said Parke Richeson, President and CEO of Maymont Foundation. “We are always excited to have young animals at the Farm so the community can experience the different stages in an animal’s life cycle.”

Irish Dexter cattle were bred for the rocky, hilly terrain of southern Ireland, similar to Richmond’s riverside terrain. Their small stature, hardiness and gentle temperament ensured that this heritage breed has endured as a popular choice for small farm operations.

Maymont selected the Irish Dexter breed for the Farm in a nod to the Irish heritage of James Dooley, Maymont’s original owner. After the death of his wife, Sallie May, in 1925, James Dooley’s will gave the 100-acre estate to the City of Richmond, which opened it as a public greenspace and museum in 1926.

Free parking is available at Maymont Farm, 1001 Spottswood Road, which is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, free of charge.

About Maymont

Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore its miles of walking paths through rolling hills, beautiful landscaped gardens, a petting farm and the Virginia Wildlife Trail with habitats for rescued native animals. In addition, Maymont offers guided and self-guided tours of the 1893 Maymont Mansion*, historic estate buildings and gardens, plus the immersive “Run of the River” experience highlighting the remarkable ecology of the James River in The Robins Nature Center. Since 1975, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entrusted to care for this unique place, galvanizing community support around its mission to delight, educate and inspire all who visit. Maymont annually welcomes over 800,000 guests and is consistently ranked among the region’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike.

*The Mansion is currently closed for a roof restoration project, and portions of the Virginia Wildlife Trail are undergoing an enhancement and expansion project. Learn more here.

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Note to editors: Images are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org.