Fifteen Kashmir goats will be grazing the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) owned by Whipsnade Zoo which surrounds the 147m (483ft) chalk white lion in Bedfordshire.
The area is looked after by volunteers who are not allowed to use pesticides and machinery on the land.
Sarah Forsyth, curator of mammals at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which runs the zoo, said: "It's lovely to have Kashmir goats at Whipsnade Zoo again, and the new herd will be doing some really important work to make sure our site is a place where all our wonderful wildlife can thrive."
The zoo cares for the surrounding area which includes the Whipsnade White Lion which was created in 1933 and use wildlife-friendly methods to protect the native plants and animals on the 600-acre site.
Ms Forsyth said: "We currently have around 20 volunteers who come and clear the lion each Thursday, which takes an enormous amount of effort and dedication.
"We are unable to use pesticides or machinery on our site due to the sensitivity of the biodiversity in the area, making the work of our volunteers and conservation grazers more vital than ever."
Also known as nannies, the goats will graze on thistles, brambles and nettles on the site and join a herd of Soay sheep who already live on the site.
"One of our Kashmir goats, Billy, was descended from the royal herd that lives on the Great Orme," Ms Forsyth added.
"He was selected to be the mascot for the Royal Welsh Regiment, and he served in the Army for eight years, before returning to Whipsnade Zoo for his retirement."
Words and pictures from story here
Wishing all readers a good weekend ...
All the best Jan
29 comments:
I do like goats. But being an escape goat isn't what I desire.
I did enjoy reading this story Jan, thank you.
Have a good weekend.
Tina
This is a wonderful story, thank you Jan. I wasn’t aware of the lion and the fact they brought in the goats and protect the area without pesticides is heartwarming. Thank you for the link also.
This is really a great story. I was intrigued by the title.
I'm a goat sometimes...It's a wonder I wasn't hired for the job!
Take good care...I hope all is well. :)
Blogger is not playing nicely. I hope this comment goes through. This is a wonderful story and a great initiative. Thank you.
...such a neat idea.
Very interesting!
I had no idea that this chalk lion existed. So interesting to read about it. Thank you for the link.
Lovely story!
Me pareció super interesante. Y me enamore de las cabras. Te mando un beso.
What a good idea.
What an interesting post.I like to learn about innovative ways of caring for special sites. We have had Highland cattle on one local SSSI in recent years.
Me ha gustado mucho que hayas traído este tema, porque es un ejemplo a seguir, de como se deben de hacer las cosas en el cuidado y protección de la madre Naturaleza; y quien mejor que sean los propios animales que durante siglos han sido los responsables de cuidarla y controlarla, hasta la llegada del ser humano...que así nos va...
Un abrazo, y muy bonitas las imágenes que nos muestras.
Clever idea. God bless.
The sheep have an awesome job!
Love the lion! Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
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J. P. Alexander said ...
Me pareció super interesante. Y me enamore de las cabras. Te mando un beso.
I found it super interesting. And I fell in love with the goats. I send you a kiss.
Manuel said ...
Me ha gustado mucho que hayas traído este tema, porque es un ejemplo a seguir, de como se deben de hacer las cosas en el cuidado y protección de la madre Naturaleza; y quien mejor que sean los propios animales que durante siglos han sido los responsables de cuidarla y controlarla, hasta la llegada del ser humano...que así nos va...
Un abrazo, y muy bonitas las imágenes que nos muestras.
I really liked that you brought this topic, because it is an example to follow, of how things should be done in the care and protection of Mother Nature; and who better than the animals themselves who for centuries have been responsible for caring for and controlling it, until the arrival of human beings... that's how it goes for us...
A hug, and the images you show us are very beautiful.
Congrats to Ms Forsyth's and her 20 volunteers on such a great job!
Interesting post!
I love that big lion, and love how they use natural care of it. And who doesn't like a goat or 2?
Using goats here in Massachusetts is becoming a popular way to clear large areas of weeds, brush from your land. It is very expensive.
Great story!
Goats are wonderful little creatures. I do like them. Great story :-D
What an interesting story, thank you for sharing! Love these natural ways of caring for the landscape!
Pretty amazing and lots of work done by the volunteers.
That lion is impressive and I do love to read stories like this.
Good work from the goats, and from those who chose this earth-friendly method!
The goats and sheep will be doing a great job to help preserve a special site.
I like how they worked this out as a win win for both sides!
Me ha encantado la história .gracias y besos.
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