Tough Job: Circle G Ranch in Strawberry Plains

A farmer's life has never been easy, especially not at Circle G Ranch in Strawberry Plains. Nearly 600 exotic animals roam the farm's 104 acres.

"It's a little more challenging," says co-owner Matt Michel.

It's become a way of life for him and his wife Christy Michel. Matt practically grew up with exotic animals.

Christy went the more traditional route with a degree in Animal Science.

Every day at Circle G Ranch, they showcase 40 different species to the public.

It's certainly not a job for the lazy: 15+ hour days, sunup to long after sunset. 

It's like raising 600 children.

There's constant cleanup, feed--2000 pounds a week to be exact--and of course, vet care.  

And on this day, it seems several animals have some type of appointment. First up, a little spa treatment for one of the camels.

"The camel's foot is like leather," says Matt.

It's in dire need of a pedicure! The file needs to be razor-sharp to remove these calluses.

"It's dead tissue," says Matt as he files away the calluses. "You have to be careful not to go too deep."

The super-sized nail clippers would make anyone flinch. Finally, a little conditioner, and the camel's a new woman!

"All right, you can hop up, little miss," says Christy to the camel.

"We've got a multiple species exhibit here," says Matt, describing the ranch's landscape. "They're all cohabiting nicely."

But everyone needs to be on an even playing field, and right now, a red deer, thanks to sharp antlers, has an unfair advantage.

"Perfect hit," says Matt as he shoots the deer with a tranquilizer dart. "It's less stress on the animal to go ahead and do it this way."

Today the deer is getting a trim with help from UT Vet School's Dr. Edward Ramsey and two residents.

"It's just a lot safer if we take those sharp horns off of him. We'll trim them down to about 2 inches, so they can still have horns in the spring."

Minutes later, the deer is alert and back to its old self.  Wish we could say the same for Casper the llama--his procedure is a little more involved than hooves and horns.

"Casper might be parting with a couple of things today," says Christy.

Yes, soon, Casper's love life will be a thing of the past.  In moments, minor surgery is underway.

"Take an incision right there and right there," says Dr. Ramsey instructing his residents. "Nice bold stroke."

And, somehow, Live at Five's Beth Haynes becomes an assistant.

"I don't want to hurt him, bless his heart," says Beth. "He's got enough to deal with today."

From warming up medicine to giving not one, but two shots, it seems to hurt Beth more than him! Casper might have a different opinion.

It's just another day at the office for Christy and Matt, but it's doubtful that Casper or Beth want to relive it.

Circle G Ranch and its hay rides will stay open through the Winter season, 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 a person.

For more information call Circle G. Ranch at (865) 932-0070.