Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Domestic goat
Latin Name: Capra hircus

Class: Mammals
Order:    Artiodactyla

Description
Goats range in size and coloration based on breed. The goats on display at the Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere are La Mancha, Oberhasli and Alpine breeds.

Range
Domesticated around the world

Status
Thriving

Habitat
Domestic environments-grasslands, fields and other pastures provided by keepers.

Niche
Goats are closely related to their barnyard peers-sheep. There are more than three hundred breeds of goat. A multi-chambered stomach enables goats to digest tough plants. They are great foragers and will nibble on just about anything.

Life History
Female goats are known as does or nannies. Males are bucks or billies. Offspring are kids, born with nubby horns and playful demeanors.

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Special Adaptations

  • One of the oldest domesticated species, goats have been raised for their milk, meat and skins for thousands of years.