Energetic, playful, and full of personality – our rescue goats, including our adorable pygmy goats, bring endless joy and laughter to our goat sanctuary. Their cheeky antics never fail to brighten our days!
Whether you’re looking to adopt a goat, sponsor a goat, or simply want to learn more about goat rescue, read on to experience the magic of these amazing animals.
Our herd of goats has grown quickly over the last couple of years, with new additions coming from all different backgrounds. Many were much-loved by their previous owners but found themselves looking for new homes due to changing circumstances. Now, all of them will live out their lives here at the sanctuary, and we’re delighted to have them.
For many years, wild goats have climbed mountains and even trees in order to obtain food, but this pastime is enjoyed by their domestic counterparts too! Goats have evolved to have two toes on each hoof which can spread out to create a more stable footing.
Unlike their more nervous sheep cousins, goats don’t tend to flee as a flock when danger approaches but are more likely to stand their ground and face whatever is attacking them. Males with large horns will often bow their heads ready to charge when threatened.
Goat herds have complex and fascinating social hierarchies. In non-family groups, there is usually a large dominant male who will ensure discipline and coherence of the herd as a whole – within ours this is definitely Gandalf, who has large horns and very stern expression!
Goats are highly intelligent animals who are naturally curious about their environment – however they are sometimes too smart for their own good! If not kept within a secure enclosure, goats will soon learn how to escape in order to explore what’s on the other side!
Just like cats and dogs, farmed animals need fun things to keep them happy and occupied.
Our goats love nothing more than lots of fresh brash (leaves and tender stems) to nibble on. As you can see, they get very excited! Once they’ve stripped all the leaves, these branches double up as great back-scratchers for them too.
Now that our Pig Barn and Goodheart Home for Rescued Hens have been completed, we are in the process of planning our next habitat development project: a dedicated area for our rescued goats! The space will include lots of fun items for our goats to enjoy, from climbing frames to scratching posts and even a special goat tower! Keep your eyes peeled across our website and social media for more information later in the year.
How long do goats live? Goats can live for approximately 8 to 17 years, depending on the breed.
Unfortunately, it’s still a common practice to farm goats in order to produce milk and cheese and many goats within commercial environments are culled around six years of age.
Much like male dairy calves who are not suitable for meat rearing, male kids who are not seen as profitable will be killed shortly after birth.
Tom is a lovable pygmy goat who enjoys nothing more than a fuss from staff and visitors alike. He is an incredibly friendly and gentle soul, who thrives when given a bit of attention. Despite being the smallest goat in our herd, he doesn’t compromise on personality. An adventurous individual, he loves climbing and can often be found scrambling over his natural log pile climbing frame.
Never far apart, this lovable trio can usually be found sunbathing in their field, clambering on the log pile or reaching up to graze from low hanging branches. They even sleep curled up together in their cosy shelter!
As three of the friendliest members of the goat gang, they love receiving some extra head scratches from staff and visitors at our sanctuary.
Double trouble comes in the form of our mischievous goat duo, Thor and Loki. These lovable boys came from a school that could no longer care for them. Now, they’re thriving in their forever home at the sanctuary, enjoying freedom and safety. By day, they browse the trees and play on their log pile with the other goats. When feeding time comes, their mischievous side shines as they cleverly squeeze through the first gate to be first in on the action!
Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, The Nickless, Milson, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 0BE
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