Skip main navigation

Please note: On Wednesday April 24 at Franklin Park Zoo and Thursday, April 25 at Stone Zoo, volunteers, zoo employees and local emergency responders will take part in routine animal escape exercises. While the exercise is occurring, guests have the opportunity to participate in the evacuation portion, and may be asked to move to certain areas within the Zoo for a brief period of time (not to exceed 10 minutes). These exercises are an important part of our preparedness training, and we appreciate your participation and understanding. If you have any questions about what to expect, please don't hesitate to contact us at 617-989-2000 or info@zoonewengland.org.

x
Close menu

Nigerian dwarf goat born at Franklin Park Zoo

There’s a new kid at Franklin Park Zoo – a Nigerian dwarf goat kid that is.

Between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. yesterday, Leia, a Nigerian dwarf goat, gave birth inside the barn at Franklin Park Zoo’s Franklin Farm. Shortly after birth, the baby, a female, was standing and within hours she was observed nursing. This is Leia’s second kid with Lucky, a Nigerian dwarf goat that also resides in Franklin Farm.

Earlier this morning, the kid underwent a medical exam and she appears bright, alert and active. The kid, which has been named Chewbacca, weighs four pounds.

“We are thrilled to share the news of this birth and we hope people will stop by during this school vacation week to see this adorable new addition,” said John Linehan, Zoo New England President and CEO.

Nigerian dwarf goats are noted for their wide range of color patterns, which include combinations of black, brown or gold mixed with white, as well as for their easy-going temperaments. These herbivorous miniature goats are of West African descent. They have been domesticated as dairy goats and can be found all over the world. Highly adaptable, Nigerian dwarf goats can live in climates ranging from cold to hot and dry.

Learn more about Nigerian dwarf goats in Franklin Park Zoo's Animals section.