Pygmy Goat

The Pygmy goat is a breed of miniature domestic goat. Both sexes of the African Pygmy goat have horns. They are vegetarians that prefer browse to pasture. To reach high branches they stand on their hind legs. They are agile climbers due in part to the hair that grows between their hooves and gives them traction on smooth surfaces. When threatened, the herd will form a ring with the pregnant females and young in the center. Single births are common the fi rst time, but after that twins or triplets are not uncommon.

Pygmy goats originated in West Africa, particularly Cameroon and Nigeria, before being bred worldwide as companion and exhibit animals. Highly social by nature, they live in herds and quickly form bonds with their group, which is part of why they’re such popular petting-zoo animals — they’re generally calm, curious, and comfortable around people. Meet our pygmy goats at Plumpton Park Zoo — plan your visit.