A Manhattan church turned into an animal kingdom Sunday for an annual blessing that welcomed camels, cows, and cockatoos to the procession.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights hosted the 34th Annual Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals in the morning. Handlers and parishioners brought an assortment of farm animals and pets for the special blessing that celebrated the beauty of nature and all of its creatures.

The tradition also honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, as parishioners brought their cats, dogs, reptiles, and birds to join the farm animals in the pews. A parade of animals then marched down the aisle to the altar. The ceremony included a choir, musicians, dancers, and a sermon.

Some of the other animals brought to the church, seen below, include a horse, rabbit, turtle, donkey, snake, and sheep.

A fair was held on the lawn after the church service as priests blessed the animals throughout the afternoon.

A few of the parishioners told us the ceremony was rather appropriate because the church is very inclusive and sensitive to environmental issues.