East Aurora, NY -  Today, Erie County Legislator John J. Mills and Erie County Executive Chris Collins joined 15-year old Racheal Smith of Collins, NY to present Shirley the Pig to members of Hidden Valley Animal Adventure. The presentation completes a series of events set in motion by Ms. Smith in an effort to promote the 4-H program.

“Racheal Smith is a young lady with a bright future ahead of her, I am happy she asked me to bid on Shirley, because it gave me a better understanding of 4-H,” said Legislator Mills. “I would like to thank the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure for their help in guaranteeing that children will have opportunities to learn about wild life and will be able to enjoy Shirley for many years to come.”

“Racheal’s success at this is a testament to her spirit and the skills 4H has instilled in her. We are very proud of Racheal and all of the 4H members, which is why we named August 14, 2011 ‘Racheal Smith Day’ in Erie County,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. “We are also looking forward to seeing Shirley the pig enjoy the next stage of her life at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.”

Racheal Smith, who raised the 265-pound gilt pig from birth as part of the 4-H program, wrote to Legislator Mills to request his assistance in purchasing Shirley at auction. On Sunday, August 14, 2011, Mills and Collins purchased the pig for $2,385 at the 4-H Youth Market Auction at the Erie County Fair and granted an official pardon for Shirley. Representatives from the County then met with officials from the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Park to provide a safe haven for Shirley.

"Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is honored to have Shirley join our family,” said Nichole Boxler, Marketing Director for Hidden Valley Animal Adventure. “We are excited to have another addition and friend to the Small Animal Adventure and we assure you that she will receive tons of attention and love from all our guests and staff here at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.”

“The 4-H program is a great experience that teaches responsibility and cooperation. I am grateful to Legislator Mills and County Executive Collins for bidding on my pig and for all of their support of the 4-H program,” said Racheal Smith.

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is an exotic animal park located in Varysburg, NY. Visitors can tour 63 acres of roaming grassland with winding trails on a 60 minute guided trolley tour, allowing them to get up close with a variety of animals. The park also offers fine dining, casual dining, and accommodations for banquets, weddings and other special occasions.

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