Wild Personalities

By Ilyssa Panitz

Photography by Justin Negard and Gia Miller

Why spend thousands standing behind velvet ropes at a Hollywood premiere or awards shows with the hopes of seeing your favorite celebrity when Westchester County is home to more than a dozen A-list four-legged ones? These local stars are far more accessible—ready for close-ups, meet-and-greets and, if you’re lucky, the perfect selfie. Each commands a devoted following, draws a crowd on the regular and sparks instant smiles. Plus, despite their celebrity status and large fanbase, they remain charmingly unfazed by the attention, which is why they choose to remain private and shy away from interviews—until now. For the first time, we scored the golden ticket and were given exclusive access to several of the county’s most beloved furry celebrities. Here’s what they had to say.

A furry talk show host

At the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, three ambassador gray wolves have called this 26-acre facility home since arriving from Nebraska shortly after birth. Nikai is 12 years old, Silas is three and Kinari is only one. These three rarely miss an opportunity to engage with visitors. They’re curious, observant and full of personality. We snagged the first-ever interview with Kinari, the youngest of the bunch.

Connect to Northern Westchester (CTNW): When a bus full of young children rolls in, what’s your first thought?

Kinari: I’m always eager to see new friends, but if I’m being honest, I’m perhaps a little more excited to eat the snacks that my brothers and I are fed during every group visit! We’ll usually get meat, and if we’re lucky, fruits and veggies are mixed in. On hot days: ICE POPS! After eating our snacks, we might even get to howl with the visitors, which is a lot of fun. Especially if we catch them off guard and scare them a bit!

CTNW: If you had to get a job, what kind of job would best highlight your unique talents?

Kinari: I think I’d be well-suited to host a talk show. I’m very interested in the activity around me, and I have a big personality and loud voice! I love to dig and discover new things. Plus, I’m great at making people laugh.

CTNW: If you had to pick a song that encompasses who you are, what would it be?

Kinari: I think “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root captures my playfulness, energy and optimism perfectly.

CTNW: What adjective best describes you, and why?

Kinari: Curious. I love to explore, meet new friends and try new foods. Just the other day, I ate a frog!

CTNW: If the gate was left open and you had a credit card, where is the first place you’d head for a weekend getaway?

Kinari: First, I’d stop at King Kone for some ice cream. Then I’d find a lakeside getaway to spend the weekend splashing in the water.

CTNW: If you could star in a TV show or movie, what would it be?

Kinari: “Charlie’s Angels,” but I’d be all three angels.

CTNW: If a genie could grant you one wish, what would you want?

Kinari: Hot dogs.

CTNW: If you could invite any other animal—fictional, extinct or famous—over for dinner, who’s getting the invite and what are you serving?

Kinari: I would invite the Lorax over for dinner so we could discuss our environmental advocacy, and then we’d eat macaroni!

The Mini Barons of Cute

At Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Bedford Corners, miniature horses Cody and Cookie are the A-listers to know. They play a central role in the organization’s equine-assisted programs, which support school groups, veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, people with disabilities, incarcerated women and marginalized communities.

Both 18 years old, Cody and Cookie were adopted by Endeavor two years ago, and the pair have won over everyone they meet with their gentle personalities, calm presence and uncanny ability to brighten even the most challenging day. Whether greeting visitors with quiet curiosity or standing patiently beside someone in need, Cody and Cookie have a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued and at ease. Now, for the first time, the beloved and dynamic duo are opening up about their daily lives and revealing which famous “Friends” actress they are most like.

CTNW: How does it feel to be a Westchester celebrity?

Cody: I try not to let fame go to my head, but it’s hard when people gasp every time they see me. I usually assume they’ve heard about my excellent hair and charming personality.

Cookie: I prefer the term “local icons.” We love seeing people smile when they meet us—especially the kids.

CTNW: What are the pros and cons of being in the spotlight?

Cookie: The pros are definitely the attention, compliments and extra treats.

Cody: The con is that apparently you can’t quietly eat hay at Endeavor without someone stopping to take your picture.

CTNW: If a well-known animal or human actor were to play you in a movie, who would it be and why?

Cody: Donkey from Shrek. Funny, lovable and always talking—sounds familiar.

Cookie: Jennifer Aniston. We both have iconic hairstyles.

CTNW: If you could give humans one piece of advice to help them relax and enjoy life more, what would it be?

Cookie: Slow down. Humans are always in such a rush.

Cody: Spend more time outside, preferably at a farm with horses. It seems to work pretty well for the humans at Endeavor.

CTNW: What is something no one knows about you?

Cody: I act confident, but I actually look at Cookie before trying anything new.

Cookie: I am a very protective sister.

CTNW: If you could get one do-over in life, what would you want to change?

Cookie: There have definitely been moments where I should’ve taken the extra carrot.

Cody: Same. No regrets… except maybe not stealing more snacks.

CTNW: What do you like to do in your downtime?

Cody: Meeting new people at the farm, supervising Endeavor activities, and following Cookie around.

Cookie: Free lounging in the arena, relaxing in the sun and making sure Cody stays out of trouble… which is honestly a full-time job.

Donkey business

At Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring, visitors arrive expecting to view world-class paintings and contemporary sculpture. But for many, an unexpected highlight is the residents living just beyond the gallery walls. Roaming the grounds are eight Sardinian donkeys—these charming, charismatic animals have quietly become beloved ambassadors of the institution. Each donkey bears a playfully alliterative name, beginning with the letter “D,” and all trace their roots to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where the rare breed originated. The donkeys range in age from one year old to an impressive 36. We sat down with Don Quixote, who revealed what makes him tick.

CTNW: What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about donkeys in general?

Don Quixote: That we are stubborn. In reality, we’re careful, observant and thoughtful. We don’t rush into things; we prefer to understand them first.

CTNW: What makes you different from the others?

Don Quixote: I have the classic Sardinian donkey coloring and the distinctive dark dorsal “cross” marking, which gives me a very recognizable silhouette. But it’s also about who I am. I’m Don Quixote. I carry a bit of the Mediterranean within me—I’m calm, steady and sun-soaked in spirit. I’m also very affectionate, even a little clingy, especially with Jay, who always takes such good care of us. And yes… I get jealous when he pets the others.

CTNW: If you could choose anyone to be your roommate, who would it be and why?

Don Quixote: I would love Jay to be my roommate, or an artist like Giuseppe Penone—someone who enjoys quiet company, values rhythm over rush and is deeply connected to nature, materials and the movement of time.

CTNW: If the gate was left open and you had a credit card, where would you head for a weekend getaway?

Don Quixote: Sardinia. Back to open fields, rocky hills and coastal pastures where the grass is hardy but sweet. I’d spend my days grazing, taking in the sea air and sunshine. But I would only take a short trip and come right back to my home, Magazzino Italian Art, my calm and familiar corral, and my beloved Jay.

CTNW: If you had an Instagram account, what would it be and what would you say in your bio?

Don Quixote: @realsardiniandonkey, and the bio would say, “The cutest Magazzino attraction.”

Fluff Happens

What makes Layla the alpaca stand out from the 15 other alpacas at Faraway Farm in Yorktown Heights? She’s the friendliest of the bunch: warm, welcoming and a total social butterfly. While some of her wooly pals shy away from the spotlight, Layla basks in it, strutting her stuff like the four-time show champion she is. Wherever there’s a camera, she’s red-carpet ready with all sorts of attitudes.

That love of attention may explain why Layla has developed a bit of a big ego and a delightfully wacky personality. In fact, when there’s a crowd around, Layla is known to perform her favorite party trick: untying visitors’ shoelaces.

CTNW: What is the most common thing humans say to you when they walk by, and what is your internal “no-comment” response?

Layla: Yes, I know I am gorgeous.

CTNW: If you could trade your daily diet for one “human” snack, what are you reaching for?

Layla: Pop me some popcorn, please.

CTNW: If you could hop behind the wheel of any vehicle, what would you choose?

Layla: Although it doesn’t have wheels, my vehicle of choice would be a luxury yacht.

CTNW: What celebrity do you most resemble, and why?

Layla: Cher, of course. I never plan to age.

CTNW: What’s one thing humans do that completely confuses you?

Layla: Why worry? It all works out in the end.

CTNW: If you had your own reality show, what would it be called?

Layla: “Hay Stashers.” How much hay can you hide in your fleece?

CTNW: If you were on a dating app, what would your profile bio say?

Layla: Gorgeous, athletic beauty queen seeks outstandingly handsome, brilliant partner.

CTNW: If you could master one human skill instantly, what would it be?

Layla: Sweetheart, I’ve mastered all the skills I need.

Like mother, like daughters

Among the most beloved residents of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center are three Dutch Belted dairy cows: Cocoa, 18, and her daughters, Clover, 11 and Cricket, 9. This close-knit family is more comfortable in the pasture than the spotlight, choosing to spend their days roaming the farm’s northern pastures or relaxing in the “cow-loafing area” at the 180-acre Yorktown Heights property.

The trio typically start their day around 7:45 a.m., stopping first for a drink of water before getting things moo-ving with a leisurely stroll through the pasture. We recently caught up with Cocoa, Clover and Cricket for a candid conversation about life on the farm.

CTNW: Why do you think people are naturally drawn to you?

Cocoa: Maybe it’s our natural elegance and distinctive coats. Maybe it’s our knowing eyes. Maybe it’s the cuteness of our faces. Maybe it’s how we roll around in the fields.

CTNW: What’s one of your biggest strengths, and what is one weakness you’re still working on?

Clover: We can out-eat most anyone, grazing for hours every day. We’re also great at sticking together. If you see one, you’ll usually see all three of us! Weakness? We hate flies and thunder. Both make our skin crawl.

CTNW: What’s something you do often that you never get tired of?

Cricket: Food! We follow a strictly vegetarian diet.

CTNW: What’s a hidden talent or skill most people wouldn’t expect you to have?

Cocoa: People don’t imagine cows to be quick, but we can jump and move very quickly.

CTNW: Who’s your celebrity crush right now?

Clover: Jason Momoa—long hair, rugged charm and he looks like he could effortlessly carry a bale of hay.

CTNW: What’s your go-to shower song that you love singing along to?

Cocoa: “Singin’ in the Rain,” by Gene Kelly. We love a good rainstorm, as long as it’s peaceful!

CTNW: If you could instantly become a world-class athlete, what sport would you choose and why?

Cricket: Eating contest. No question!

CTNW: What are the top three experiences or goals still sitting on your bucket list?

Cocoa: I want to get all glammed up, stand on a red carpet, have my photograph taken by the paparazzi and have my head scratched by many adoring fans. I also want to visit Switzerland so I can finally see where all the fancy cheeses come from. And finally, I want to eat at a five-star restaurant because the grass is greener when you sit at a table with a pretty tablecloth, fancy silverware and great wait service.

This article was edited by Rinn Kress and fact-checked by Gia Miller. The photographer used Adobe Creative Suite to edit the photographs. 

This article was published in the July/August 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.