8 new baby goats on display at The Living Desert
More baby animals are on exhibit at The Living Desert!
Officials announced the zoo’s newest arrivals on Tuesday. They said eight baby Nubian goats, also referred to as kids, are now on display for the public to view at the Petting Kraal in Village WaTuTu.
In the release, zookeepers said Nubian goats are large sized goats, with a convex muzzle, or “Roman nose,” long, pendulous ears, and a short, glossy coat. They are social, outgoing and vocal. The modern Anglo-Nubian breed was developed in Great Britain from the native milking stock and Nubian goats from the Middle East and North Africa. Because of this heritage, they can live in very hot climates. They produce a high-quality, high butterfat milk. Females weigh around 135 pounds and males can weigh up to 175 pounds. They feed on grains, oats and hay.
“While generally a mother will give birth to one, possibly two kids, two of our mother goats gave birth to three each and a third mother gave birth to two,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “We are thrilled with the numerous additions.”
Six of the kids will join the rest of the 19 goats already residing at The Living Desert, while the remaining two are being hand-raised for educational programs. Visitors to the zoo will be able to pet and play with the goats which are located in the North Africa section of the park, officials said in the release.
Zookeepers said goats are intelligent and curious animals. Their inquisitive nature is exemplified in their constant desire to explore and investigate anything unfamiliar that they come across. They also have excellent coordination. They have great balance and are able to survive in precarious areas such as steep mountains. They can even climb trees and some species can jump over five feet high.
“Lively by nature, these goats are as playful as they come,” said Monroe. “What they lack in size, they more than make up for in personality.”
The Living Desert is open daily 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., with last admission at 1 p.m. General admission is $17.25 Adults; $15.75 Seniors & Military; $8.75 Children 3 – 12; Children under 3 are free.
Living Desert welcomes 8 new baby goats