Mini Nubian Goats

Farm-in-the-Zoo has some new residents—and they are adorable! Two Mini Nubian goats, both males born on April 20 of this year, arrived from a local, family-run business that was started because the human children in the family were lactose-intolerant. One goat is black and tan, and his brother has more silvery coloring.

The two as-yet-unnamed and vocal youngsters are part of a relatively new breed, recognized by the Miniature Dairy Goat Association and known for its long, floppy ears. Mini Nubians were originally bred by mixing Nubian goats and Nigerian dwarf goats, both of which are known to be excellent milk producers. These animals are becoming more popular in the U.S. for their friendly personalities and small size.

Mini Nubian goats live for about 10–15 years and become sexually mature between 3–12 months. They are stockier and smaller than regular Nubian goats and will get to a size around 31 inches tall and 120 pounds in weight. The new goats at Farm-in-the-Zoo are close to their adult size.

The brothers have started the training process with zoo staff. Keepers say that both of them are very smart with playful personalities, so they are taking to it quickly. The silver one is affectionate and excels at step-by-step learning, while the black-and-tan juvenile is better at figuring out puzzle feeders and learning through exploration. The goal of this process, as always at Lincoln Park Zoo, is to allow them to participate in their own care, including health-related procedures. They have already voluntarily joined in hoof trims and vaccinations.

Eventually, the two will receive names—stay tuned to find out what they are! In the meantime, stop on by to see these cute additions at the dairy barn at Farm-in-the-Zoo.