Two Nigerian Dwarf goats are now on exhibit with the other kid-friendly creatures in the Contact Yard at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Australian Adventure. The two kids, both boys, are the first Nigerian Dwarf goats at the Zoo, and at 5 months old, are already almost fully grown.
Originally from West Africa, Nigerian Dwarf goats are gaining in popularity both with goat dairy farmers and zoos for their mild temperament and non-intimidating stature. The Zoo's goats were born and bred on a farm near Seville, Ohio.
Joining the goats in the Contact Yard are four new Babydoll Southdown lambs. The new lambs will complement the two Southdown sheep that already live in Australian Adventure.
The 4-month-old lambs, three white and one black, were acquired from the Dozen Acre Fiber Farm in Hiram, Ohio. The Southdown originated as a breed in England and over the last couple hundred years was used to help develop other breeds throughout England and New Zealand.
The Nigerian Dwarf goat kids and Babydoll Southdown lambs will share space with the other animals in the Contact Yard including miniature horses, donkeys, Merino sheep, rabbits and domestic goats.
The get close opportunities in the Zoo's Contact Yard offer positive interaction between children and animals -- teaching children appropriate ways to touch and be around animals. These encounters build compassion and awareness toward wildlife.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended summer weekend hours until 7 p.m. through Labor Day. Admission is $10 per person ages 12 and older, $7 for children ages 2-11 and free for Zoo members and children younger than 2. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480.
To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.