When it comes to our goats, there are some frequently asked questions by our visitors. The most popular question is,”Are they pregnant?” (The answer to that one is no, they just have gas!) Another frequently asked question is about Templeton, and from the picture you may be able to guess what it is. People often ask us why Templeton’s face is crooked, or if he got kicked in the face by another animal. Fortunately, his crooked face was not caused by anything traumatic; he was simply born that way. And although it may look a little strange, Templeton is not affected by it in the least.

Templeton is an African Pygmy Goat who was born at the museum on January 14, 1997. He is currently the oldest goat we have, but is still quite feisty and playful. He lives in our farmyard with three other goats and Lightning, the donkey. Often you can find Templeton in a playful game of head-butt with the other goats, or scratching his head on one of the brushes that are attached to the fence posts of their yard.

Goats are very social animals that seek out companionship, which is one reason why they stay in herds. Templeton is no different, and he seeks out keepers and goats alike to play with and be around. He is known to nibble and scratch his head on the keepers’ keys when they are feeding or cleaning, so we gave him his very own set of keys to play with! The next time you are here, look for them hanging on one of the fence posts in the yard.

Click here to learn more about the history and characteristics of African Pygmy Goats, which are listed as RARE by The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.