TACOMA, Wash. — There are two newborn kids on the block at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
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Nigerian dwarf goat Hazel gave birth to the female twins Friday afternoon in the Kids' Zone area of the zoo. This is the third birth for 4-year-old Hazel, who has been at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium for only a few months.
Hazel and the twins are doing well, according to senior staff biologist Jennifer Donovan. The goats are visible to the public off and on throughout the day.
"We're elated by the birth of these goats," Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium land animal curator Natalie Davis said.
The Kids’ Zone is now home to 17 Nigerian dwarf goats.
At just five days old, the goats are already jumping around and practicing their climbing skills.
Nigerian dwarf goats only grow to be about 2 feet tall and 75 pounds. Females can produce up to 1.5 quarts of milk a day with a butterfat content of 6 to 10 percent.
Donovan said the goat herd fits in nicely with the Kids' Zone mission of helping visitors -- especially children -- get closer to animals, learn more about them and participate in activities.
The Kids’ Zone area of the zoo is meant to help children gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting and caring for animals.
In this case, children learn to emotionally care for the goats, and to care for them physically by grooming and feeding them.
The next step is deciding on a name for the twins. The choices are: Sugar and Spice; Opal and Agnes; or Cora and Elsie.
Zoo visitors and fans can go to www.pdza.org/babygoats to vote on names for the pair. Voting closes July 4.
Cox Media Group
