African Pygmy Goat

These domesticated goats originally came from West Africa. They are raised for both milk and meat. Their hides also can be used to make fine leather. Goats are very hardy animals and can exist were other domestic animals cannot. They are very agile jumpers and climbers and can be seen climbing up and down the structure in their exhibit here at the Zoo. Goats eat plants and they often eat plants that other herbivores will avoid. They even eat poison ivy. There is much folklore attached to goats. In the past, sailors believed that hanging goatskin on the main mast would bring calm seas. The goat has many meanings in Greek and Roman folklore. For example, Aphrodite rode around on a goat, and it was sacred to her.

At the Zoo in our New England Farmyard area, we have three male African pygmy goats. They live with our San Clemente goats.