Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Another day, another Zoom meeting. How exciting. 

But wait — it can be! Now, instead of just the same faces on your work call, a goat, a llama or a horse can pop into the meeting, too.

Sweet Farm, an animal sanctuary in California, is offering people around the world the opportunity to invite farm animals to liven up their video calls. 

"We will join your call, do a quick intro of the farm and introduce you to the animals on your virtual tour!" reads a description for 

. "You can ask us questions or just hang out.” 

A 20-minute virtual private tour, which highlights a few of the animals and areas of the farm, costs $65 for up to six people. For $100, an animal will make a 10-minute cameo on a work call with unlimited participants.  

15 photos to show your love for Minnesota

"After the coronavirus happened and shelter in place went into effect, we had to completely rethink the way we were driving revenue and executing our mission," Sweet Farm co-founder 

If your preferred time slot is booked, you may want to check out 

. You can request a virtual visit from Mambo, an 8-year-old mini donkey. Or maybe Eddie the horse, who "may or may not wear a jacket and definitely won't be wearing pants." 

Be right back, booking my time slot now. 

Daily dose of sweetness

Arts group distributes 'creativity kits' to local kids

Hundreds given away in Minneapolis

'Let me send you happy mail!'

A newspaper, a struggling restaurant and the power of pie

Couple enjoys drive-by wedding reception

Minnesota landmarks go blue for front-line workers

St. Cloud honors front-line workers

Nisswa firefighters sound the alarm for kids

Even in crisis, Minnesotans still won't take the last piece

Mpls. neighbors stay connected with social distance singalongs

High school robotics team finds new mission to help the community

Offer reminder of community

St. Paul neighbor serenades couple on their wedding anniversary

Healing words from handmade cards

Minnesota Orchestra reminds you of the light

Family-friendly 'bear hunts' unite Rochester

Minnesota Girl Scouts working to get cookies to first responders

Teachers, school staff parade through town

Golden Valley neighbors find a well-spaced walk works wonders

Mayo Clinic docs go viral with 'Imagine'

From acts of kindness and sweet gestures to inspirational signs, these are some of the ways Minnesotans are lifting one another during the coronavirus pandemic.

Discover something that brightens your day? We may include it here. Email it to 

NewsPartners

Nancy Yang

Author

Your Zoom meetings don’t have to be so dull. Farms are offering people the opportunity to invite animals to liven up their video calls. 

Llama llama Zoom: Here's how you can invite a farm animal to your next meeting

Go Deeper.

Like this?