There are 'new kids on the block' with the arrival of two pygmy goat kids at Longleat.
Petal and Poppy are the latest additions to the Wiltshire’s estate Family Farmyard, bringing plenty of energy and fun during the winter months.
Born to mums Piglet and Phoebe, Poppy and Petal are five and six weeks respectively, making the herd 11 strong.
Lead keeper, Gemma Short, said “It’s always lovely having goat kids at the farm. They are happy, fun-loving animals that just make you smile.
“It feels particularly special as Piglet was born here at the park in 2020, so to see her become a first-time mum to Poppy is a joy.”
Kids weigh approximately 1.8 kilograms at birth and will reach 30 kilograms as female adults. They will also spend eight – 12 weeks on milk before starting to wean at ten – 12 weeks.
Gemma said, “We need to keep the kids warm, which isn’t the easiest at this time of year. We’ve installed heat lamps in their barn to keep them warm and support their growth.
“With their hops, skips and jumps, they’re starting to explore the world around them, and there is nothing better than seeing them having 'the zoomies'. It's a treat that we have two goat kids to grow up and play together.”
Guests can visit the pygmy goats at Family Farmyard in the spring, alongside wallabies, reindeer, donkeys and emu.
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