Scientific Name:
Capra hircus

Range:
Domestic – worldwide

Habitat:
Domestic – any

Average Size:
Height at shoulder: 28-34 inches
Weight: 200-300 pounds

Lifespan:
Up to 20 years

Diet:
Zoo: Hay, feeder pellets

Reproduction:
Gestation: 152 days

Appearance:
These robust goats are white in the body with russet brown heads. Horns can be found in either sex.

Predators:
Humans

Population Status:
Stable

About the Animal: Boer Goats were first bred from a goat native to South Africa by Dutch farmers. What was needed was a fast-growing goat that could tolerate drought, exist on sparse vegetation, be disease resistant and still yield high quality meat. The result was the Boer breed.

Petey, Polly and Petunia came to the zoo from a farm in southern Rhode Island as 8-week old kids. Although not related, they do come from the same herd and were born at roughly the same time.

Mating and Reproduction: Boer Goats are seasonal breeders with most breeding occurring in late August through late February. Kids are born in late winter through early summer. Twins are very common.

Amazing Information: A unique characteristic of this breed of goat is the distinctive russet brown head. Sometimes it may have a white blaze of other white markings on the brown.