Pygmy GOat
Capra hircus
Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae
Size
Weight: 50-75 lbs
Lifespan
10-18 years
Diet
Leaves, grasses, and shrubs
Habitat & Range
This domesticated species originated in Africa.
At the Zoo
These goats can be found in our petting zoo.
Interesting Facts
Pygmy goats are a small breed of domestic goat. Both males and females have horns, however the horns of males are longer and thicker.
Pygmy goats originated in west Africa. They were exported from there to Europe before being introduced to the United States in 1959.
When people see pygmy goats they often think they are pregnant because of their round shape. This is often not the case. A goat’s digestive system has a multi-chambered stomach to allow it to get as much nutrition as possible from the grasses they eat. This gives them their round shape.
