They’re the G.O.A.T.
And they live up to their name.
Don’t be fooled. Huckleberry may look serene, but this mischief maker is thinking about head-butting you for fun. But he’s just. SO. HANDSOME.
Goats. Is it the weirdness? The beardness? The sweet leaps and soft disposition? Whatever it is, goats are loved everywhere they’re found….And they’re found everywhere!
These goofballs are docile for the most part, and companionable. Their temperament is probably one reason they were so easily domesticated about 10,500 years ago in the Fertile Crescent—or as it’s known today, parts of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. When Europeans came to the Americas in the 15th century, guess who came with them? Yep: goats! Now, there are about 200 breeds of goats in the United States and a population over 450 million goats worldwide. They can be as tiny as 25 lbs. or as large as 220 lbs. depending on their breed!
Just like today, the first domesticated goats were used for their meat and skin, and eventually, their milk. (Honestly: who was the first person to decide seeing if the milk of another species’ mammaries tasted good? But we digress!) Today, goats are bred in huge numbers for their milk, and exploited in the same farm conditions as cows and sheep. But goat meat is very popular in many other countries—especially the Fertile Crescent region. In many middle eastern countries, it’s THE most popular meat. And, of course, there’s those coats. Their unfortunate coats. Their soft, luxe mohair and cashmere coats.
Goats just goatta have fun!
Even the experts agree: goats are…quirky. Here at the Sanctuary, we never have a “normal” day. It’s always something, and it’s almost always caused by…the goats. This is because goats are naturally curious animals and love to explore the unfamiliar. Baby goats love playing and jumping, as you can see in our video. Goats are some of the most affectionate animals you’ll ever meet! In fact, researchers have discovered they are just as clever and loving as dogs. They can build relationships with their people that last a lifetime—and with other goats, like our BFFs Sheldon and Pinky.
Once you start interacting with goats, you’ll never want to stop! Between the affectionate head rubs, and the playful mock pounces…our goats constantly amaze us with how much they enjoy us, too! Read more about why you can’t help but love goats here!
Spanky, David, and Lucas are three boys who were rescued from the dairy industry. These adorable little babies are considered a “by product” because they are males and are not able to produce milk.
The “BAAAAAAAD” News
We’re giving you that first, without even asking. That way, you can read the GOOD news to cheer you up! Goats suffer tremendously in the animal agriculture industry. If you’d like to learn about their lives so you can best help them, read about it here. You’ll also read about Sheldon & Pinky. Did you know goats form extremely close friendships and families? Sheldon and Pinky were BFFs. You can read about them, too, and the horror they escaped together.
The Good News
Meet Mr. Marni, our blue-eyed, horizontal pupil sweet man.
Although they’re curious, goats also very cautious about their surroundings. After all, goats are also prey animals. No amount of caution or defense can protect them from their most dangerous enemy: humans. Wanna be one of the good guys? Find out how your choices can improve life for our four-legged friends. YOU can be the G.O.A.T to the G.O… to the goats. You can save goats. For real.