African Pygmy Goat

About African Pygmy Goats

Pygmy goats are small and stout with sturdy legs. They have a coat of straight, medium-length hair. Hair color varies. They can be black, brown, gray, or white. The color can vary in shade and many are of mixed color. They have long forward-folding ears and a long snout. Male Pygmy goats have long, full beards.

The height of the goat is measured at the highest point on the goat’s back. Males range from 16-23 inches tall. Females are from 16 to 22 inches tall.

Weight for males: 50-70 lbs. Females: 40-70 lbs.

African Pygmy Goat at the Akron Zoo

Pygmy goats live at the Akron Zoo in Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa in the boma. Guests can purchase crackers, while supplies last, to feed the goats.

Igor – male, born April 20, 2019
Bok – male, born April 20, 2019
Java – male, born April 20, 2019
Rafiki – male, born May 26, 2019

Classification

Order: Therapsid
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Capra
Species: aegagrus hircus

Fun Fact

Goats are one of the smallest ruminants. A goat’s lips, teeth and tongue are all used for grazing. They start at the top of a plant and work downwards. A goat’s upper jaw is wider than its lower and they use one side at a time to chew their food. They must masticate to break the food into smaller pieces and it takes several hours for food to pass through a goat’s digestive system.

Habitat

Goats can thrive in a variety of habitats and conditions.

Geographic Range

Pygmy goats, originally called Cameroon goats were bred in West Africa from Eastern Asian stock. A few were exported to zoos in Sweden and Germany and then throughout Europe. The first pygmy goats brought to the U.S. were recorded in 1959. They are domesticated and now are found throughout the world.

Diet

Goats are browsers, preferring leaves to grass. Because they are found in a variety of habitats their diet will vary with location.

Population Status

Pygmy goats are popular domestic animals and are a species of least concern.

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African PygmyGoat