"Moo Crew NQ started with a simple idea — to share the happiness that animals bring into our lives. Bingo might be little, but she's already making a big impression! We love seeing children's faces light up when they meet her, especially those who have never been close to a cow before. As our farm grows, we hope to introduce more animals, experiences and opportunities for families to connect with nature. Most importantly, we want every interaction to be positive for both our visitors and our animals."
Vanita, Moo Crew NQ
Meet Bingo, the Miniature Highland Cow
Malcolm sauntered towards the paddock gate, where a smiling woman stood waiting to greet him.
“Welcome to Moo Crew NQ! I'm Vanita.”
“Moo!” Malcolm bellowed, cupping his hands around his mouth. “I'm a cow!”
Vanita giggled. “Well, I've got someone I'd love you to meet. Her name is Bingo.”
“BINGO!” Malcolm burst into song. “B-I-N-G-O, and Bingo was her name-o!”
Vanita joined in with a laugh. “I know that song, too! But our Bingo is a little girl. We thought it was the perfect name for her. It's fun, easy to remember, and suits her playful personality.”
“Is she a nice cow?” Malcolm asked.
“Why don't you meet her and find out?”
Vanita led Malcolm towards the paddock. There, standing in the grass, was a cow unlike any he'd seen before. She had a long, shaggy coat, a fringe hanging over her forehead and two small horns poking out from her head.
“Wow!” Malcolm whispered. “She's so fluffy!”
How Do You Care for a Highland Cow?
“Bingo is a miniature Highland cow,” Vanita explained. “Highland cattle are known for their long coats and distinctive fringes. They're a very special breed.”
“Can I pat her?” Malcolm asked. “Mum says I have to ask before I pat someone's dog.”
“Your mum gives good advice,” Vanita said. “We should always ask before approaching an animal. And even when we have permission, we need to be gentle and pay attention to how the animal is feeling.”
Vanita approached Bingo calmly and showed Malcolm how to follow her lead. Bingo sniffed curiously before returning to her grass.
“We let Bingo decide when she's comfortable interacting,” Vanita explained. “Animals have their own feelings and boundaries, just like we do.”
It's one of the important lessons children can learn from caring for farm animals.
Malcolm watched Bingo carefully.
“She looks happy here.”
“She certainly seems settled,” Vanita replied. “And when we spend time with animals, we learn to notice what they're telling us through their behaviour.”
With Vanita guiding him, Malcolm had a gentle introduction to Bingo. He couldn't stop smiling.
“How can you not fall in love with that adorable face?” Vanita laughed. “There's something incredibly special about Highland cows.”
Malcolm looked up at Bingo's shaggy fringe.
“Her hair's a bit long,” he observed. “I think she needs a haircut!”
Vanita chuckled. “That lovely fringe has a special name. It's called a dossan!”
“A what?”
“A dossan! It helps give Highland cows their distinctive look. They also have two layers to their coats: a soft undercoat and a longer outer coat that helps protect them from the weather.”
Malcolm tugged at his T-shirt.
“It's too hot for me to wear a big coat!”
“You're right,” Vanita said. “And here in tropical North Queensland, we have to take extra care to help Bingo stay comfortable in our warm weather.”
“How?”
“Grooming is an important part of caring for Highland cattle. Bingo is gradually getting used to being brushed, washed and handled, and we always make sure to be gentle. We also keep a close eye on her coat and skin and make sure she has the care she needs.”
“Do you give her a bath?”
“We do!”
Malcolm's eyes lit up. “I love bath time! I've got LOTS of toys!”
“I bet that makes cleaning fun,” Vanita smiled. “For Bingo, grooming helps us keep her coat in good condition. It also gives us a chance to check that her skin is healthy.”
“Like getting ready for picture day?”
“Exactly!” Vanita laughed. “Although, just like people, some animals enjoy being brushed more than others.”
What Do Miniature Highland Cows Eat?
Just then, Bingo lowered her head and began nibbling at the grass.
“Look!” Malcolm pointed. “She's eating!”
“Grass is an important part of Bingo's diet,” Vanita explained. “Like other cattle, Highland cows are herbivores. That means they eat plants rather than meat. We make sure she has suitable pasture, enough roughage and clean, fresh water.”
“So she can grow big and strong?”
“That's right. And there's something else you should remember: never feed an animal without asking its owner first. Some foods that people enjoy can make animals very sick.”
Malcolm nodded seriously. He wouldn't want to give Bingo anything that might hurt her.
As they continued exploring, Malcolm noticed something.
“Vanita, where are all the other animals?”
“Bingo is our first miniature cow here, but she won't be alone forever! We're planning to welcome another miniature cow named Rowdy. We're also hoping to introduce some bottle-fed lambs in the future.”
“Lambs!” Malcolm exclaimed. “Will they be fluffy, too?”
“I imagine they'll be pretty fluffy! Our dream is to create a little farm full of friendly personalities, where families can spend time with animals and children can learn about caring for them.”
Getting a Farm Ready for Visitors
Malcolm looked around the property. There was still plenty to do.
“Are you making the farm ready for them?”
“We are,” Vanita said. “Our whole family is involved in bringing this little farm to life. There's fencing to work on, paddocks to maintain and spaces to prepare for visitors. And, of course, we have to make sure Bingo has everything she needs.”
“That's a lot of jobs!”
“It certainly is. Looking after animals is a big responsibility. There's plenty of hard work behind the scenes, even when visitors only see the cuddles and cute faces.”
Malcolm glanced affectionately towards Bingo.
“I think my favourite farm job would be the cuddles!”
“It's lovely to spend time with animals,” Vanita agreed. “But we also have to remember that they're living creatures with their own needs. Caring for them means being patient, gentle and responsible every day.”
Malcolm thought about his friend Maggie.
“I'm kind to Maggie, too. She's a magpie, and she's my friend!”
“That's lovely, Malcolm. Building trust takes time, whether you're getting to know a cow, a dog or a magpie.”
Just then, Vanita had an idea.
“Before you go, how about we take a photo with our beautiful girl?”
Malcolm's face lit up. He stood beside Bingo, with Vanita close by to make sure everyone was comfortable.
“Ready?” Vanita asked.
“CHEESE!” Malcolm grinned.
Click!
What Can Children Learn from Meeting Farm Animals?
Malcolm couldn't wait to show everyone his picture with Bingo. He'd met a miniature Highland cow, discovered what her shaggy fringe was called, learnt about the care she needed and found out just how much work went into creating a happy home for farm animals.
But most of all, he'd learnt that making friends with animals wasn't just about giving cuddles.
It was about being gentle, paying attention and showing kindness.
As Malcolm waved goodbye, he turned back for one last look at Bingo.
“Bye, Bingo! See you again soon!”
Then he cupped his hands around his mouth.
“MOOOO!”
Vanita burst out laughing.
“I think you've got the hang of being a Highland cow, Malcolm!”
Malcolm giggled all the way back to the car. He'd come to meet a miniature cow, but he was leaving with a new friend, a head full of curious questions and one very good cow impression.
Keep Exploring
Every farm has a story to tell! Join Malcolm and Maggie on another adventure:
- Explore the sugarcane harvest on an Australian cane farm.
- Discover life on a sunflower farm.
- Meet working dogs at a kelpie stud.
Fun Facts About Highland Cows
- Highland cattle have traditionally been raised for beef. They’re also well suited to grazing and can help manage pasture.
- Highland cattle originated in Scotland, where their thick, shaggy coats help protect them from cold, wet and windy weather.
- Both male and female Highland cattle can grow horns.
How Can Children Meet Highland Cows in Townsville?
At Moo Crew NQ, we want children to experience animals up close, rather than only seeing them in books or on screens.
At Moo Crew NQ in Townsville, we offer opportunities for families to meet Bingo through pre-booked animal experiences. Children can learn about her personality, what she eats, how we care for her and why treating animals gently is so important.
We also work with professional photographers to create beautiful photography experiences, including family portraits and seasonal mini sessions featuring Bingo. We're developing more experiences too, including creative workshops, Highland-themed activities and special events.
Our goal is to create happy memories while encouraging children to develop a genuine love and respect for animals.
Discover Moo Crew NQ and its animal experiences
Follow along for updates!
Facebook: @MooCrewNQ
Instagram: @MooCrewNQ
Planning a Farm Visit with Little Ones?
Meeting a Highland cow can spark all sorts of questions in little learners. What do animals eat? How do we care for them? What else happens on a farm?
My free Little Farm Explorers activity guide helps families make the most of a farm visit, with simple prompts to encourage children to look closely, ask questions and share what they've discovered.
Whether you're visiting an animal farm, a sunflower farm or another agricultural destination, it's a lovely way to nurture curiosity before, during and after your adventure.
[Download your free Little Farm Explorers guide]