Neary Lagoon Goats in 2018

Hundreds of goats have come to Neary Lagoon again this year until their cleaning job is done. I paid them three visits during the period of June 12-19, 2018, twice by myself and once with Paul. I still wish I had more time to spend with them.

Like before, this year's goats are diligent and mindful of their work, with the bigger ones snacking on juicier roots, with the little ones picking on slender grass. They are very quiet, napping, chewing, or meandering through crowds to find the water troughs at the far end, or looking for their lost mothers or kids.

Unlike before, the number of goats seemed to be doubled, with many hundreds of them altogether this time, which has made the wild grass and plants on both sides of the wood ramp disappear more dramatically. Left are only a few tall thorny stalks and the occasional empty discarded beer can, wherever those goats have been.

This year, there were numerous kids, with their tolerant, nursing mothers nearby. If lost, they would bleat out long and sad for their mamas. Sometimes, you would hear mothers call out for their kids, with a very distinctive and persistent sound.

Goats are peaceful by nature, which is why a passerby could hardly notice the hundreds of goats nearby. On our June 15th visit, Paul and I did witness a horn-bashing between two adult goats over a fat plant root. But the fight was short and bloodless, with the original owner triumphantly walking away holding its lawfully gained prize in its mouth. We both gave a sighed of relief for their peace loving nature.

Two sides of the ramp are yellow and empty, which signals the imminent departure of the industrious goats. We will miss them, and hope to see them this time next year, with Elena!