Lambs are among the popular attractions at Doonies

The children's farm has been described as a valuable resource in Scotland by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

Aberdeen City Council said the plan to close Doonies to save �100,000-a-year, and sell the animals, was a "difficult" decision.

Children and parents are supporting a protest meeting at the Altens Thistle Hotel on Thursday evening.

One primary pupil visiting Doonies told BBC Scotland: "I want it to stay open because it's a very nice farm and I like looking at all the animals."

'Very lucky'

Another said: "The nice man lets me feed the baby animals."

One parent argued: "Some kids never get a chance to interact with farm animals, the children are very lucky, it's a good place to have."

Peter Titley, chairman of RBST, said: "Any moves which undermine or threaten agricultural activity in the UK are a matter of concern.

"It is all the more troubling when we hear of a threat to an establishment such as Doonies Farm in Aberdeen.

"This flagship farm has been at the forefront of Aberdeen City Council's magnificent support of native breeds of farm animals."

The council added that there was no statutory duty to run a rare breeds farm.