BOER GOATS

Capra aegagrus hircus

The Boer goat's name is derived from the Dutch word “boer” meaning to farm and were originally bread in South Africa for consumption and were the largest species of goats. Today they are a popular breed for showing and one of the most common goat breeds here in the United States. They first came to the United States in 1994 from Australia and New Zealand. Like other goats, they have rectangular pupils that help with their vision, have a four-chambered stomach to help with digestion, and have hooves that are split into two which help them move across all types of terrain.

OUR CURRENT RESIDENTS

Fernando and Alejandro came to ZooMontana in June 2021 from a private individual and both boys are very loud and vocal.

Fernando, Male – Birthdate Unknown

Fernando is located with the other species of goat which are the Nigerian dwarf goats at the barn. You can find Fernando because he is much larger than the dwarf goats and he has a fully brown coat of fur. 

Alejandro, Male – Birthdate Unknown

Alehandro is located with the other species of goat which are the Nigerian dwarf goats at the barn. You can spot Alejandro easily because he is much larger than the dwarf goats and he is mainly white with brown color on his face and ears. 

TAXONOMY

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Genus: Capra
• Species: Capra aegagrus hircus

ANIMAL FACTS

Herbivores: mainly eat brush, shrubs, and weeds

Population Status: currently listed as Least Concern

Habitat: are a domesticated species, and live where people can take care of them

Activity: diurnal- mainly active during the day