OUR STORY
40 Years of Animal Entertainment
Animal-Grams began as 2 sisters dream of making their love for animals their career and also sharing that same love with as many people as possible. They got their start with exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and bears. They were quite the duo for many years. As they both began families of their own, they transitioned away from most of the exotics and into a more family friendly approach. After much thought Judy decided to step away from the business in the '90s while Joni kept pushing and growing the business as well as her family. After Joni stepped away from most of her exotic animals, she became known for her 400 pound kissing pig she would take to all sorts of events imaginable. Today Animal-Grams has grown into the largest animal entertainment provider in Northern Indiana. Providing petting farms, pony rides, reindeer, living nativities, easter animals, and pig races to hundreds of events every year.
Joni found her calling from a young age and is blessed to still do what she loves each and every day. She has made quite the impression on thousands of people and families over the years. It is a common occurence for a friendly stanger years later to come up to her at an event and share, "I think you brought animals to my daughter's first birthday party- 38 years ago" or "you brought your kissing pig to our 10th anniversary- in the 90s."
The biggest blessing that Animal-Grams has brought to Joni's life is allowing her to raise her five children fully engaged in a life of entrepreneurship and hard work and now to soon see her grandchildren grow up within the business. Her oldest son, Jurgin, is a huge part of Animal-Grams and is often seen spreading joy during the Christmas season with his reindeer.