Starla turns 8 in October. Her mama MJ was the first! MJ arrived pregnant from a slaughter auction after being bred 9 times in a row. Starla was born in October 2018 in our barn. Sadly, we lost MJ in December following a difficult illness. Starla is healing from grief, is afraid of nothing, and is a clever little goat. She was born in sanctuary, knowing only safety and love all her life.
Penda turns 9 this year and is the resident diva. A local breeder surrendered her at 11 months because she has horns, and all the other goats in her herd were disbudded as babies (horn buds burned off with an iron). She’s a Nigerian Dwarf, and prefers people friends over goat friends. If you rub her rump, she’ll love you forever.
Chip, 7 years old, arrived as a baby from a “livestock dealer” who was about to sell him for a religious sacrifice ceremony. Chip was riddled with parasites but soon became healthy, confident, and much bigger than expected. He rules the herd, and although he loves to play rough, he really just wants all the attention and snuggles. If he hands you his hoof, he’s asking for toe tickles. Abide him!
Guinness, 8, and daughter Hennessy, 7, were rescued from a western PA farm whose breeding went unchecked. (They’re also half-sisters, same dad!) Over 150 inbred goats faced slaughter when the property was sold, though many were rescued. Hennessy is shy, and mama Guinness might enjoy a nice tummy scratch from her human friends if approached calmly. Her delicate horns are wrapped for protection.
Butters, 6, has come so far! He and his (angel) brother Bob were taken from their mama at just 3 weeks and rented out as party props. Their last “renter” was compassionate and saw how terribly sick and thin they were, and brought them to sanctuary. Butters is now a sociable, happy guy - a long way from when he was frightened by people chasing him. If you’re patient, he will love you as much as you love him.
June and her baby Mae are the newest residents of the Bloomsbury Herd. June was impregnated at just 5 months old, and was rescued from a local farm-to-table business shortly before giving birth in sanctuary, on May 5. June is gradually adapting to her new life of safety and care, and is now starting to experience joy. Like Starla, Mae will know only love, abundant food, and friendship since she was born. Her father was likely as big as Chip, so we expect her to keep growing until she’s second in command!
