New kid on the block: Tiny nameless youngster is the newest member of Britain's oldest goat family

A cute goat born at Edinburgh Zoo is now a proud member of the nation’s most ancient breed of goat.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The youngster – a Bagot goat – was born last week to mum Janice and dad Patrick, who are first-time parents.

The male kid, yet to be named by keepers at the wildlife conservation charity, has been delighting visitors as he enjoys exploring his enclosure with mum by his side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to the Bagot Goat Society, they are believed to be Britain’s oldest species of goat and are now finding a new role as important conservation grazers, clearing invasive scrub and woodland species to promote biodiversity in the ground, which is beneficial to other amazing animals and wildlife.

The tiny Bagot goat kid with his mum Janice at Edinburgh Zoo
Pic: RZSSThe tiny Bagot goat kid with his mum Janice at Edinburgh Zoo
Pic: RZSS
The tiny Bagot goat kid with his mum Janice at Edinburgh Zoo Pic: RZSS

The Bagot is believed to be Britain’s oldest breed of goat with a documented ancestry. The first recorded account of the breed appears in historical documents from 1389, when Sir John Bagot was known to be the keeper of the original herd at Blithfield, his Staffordshire estate in the English Midlands. The Bagot goat was originally managed as a feral and semi-feral parkland breed in Bagots Park, just three miles from Blithfield Hall. They proved to be extremely self-reliant, which has ensured their continued survival over many centuries.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.