Dwarf goat Ossi lived
with chickens and geese
and tells us about himself
Ossi, a black and white dwarf goat, lost his life partner. Goats are very sociable animals and cannot live alone. Ossi seemed to make a virtue of necessity and lived together with the chickens and geese after the death of his partner.
Ossi’s owner knew, of course, that this could not be a permanent solution, and contacted Dieter Ehrengruber, who said: “Ossi is welcome to join our herd of goats!”.
Dwarf goats come from Africa
Dwarf goats have a black, grey, brown or piebald coat, just like our Ossi: he is black and white. Ossi’s good nature is characteristic of the dwarf goat. He is curious, sporty and likes to flirt with goat Betty or Simone. Ossi can enjoy his life to the full, and he does so day in, day out.
“Imagine if I lived in West or Central Africa, I would be kept mainly for meat production. Yeah, who cares about that? For Africans, we goats are practically a valuable asset. Yes, ok, but I’m not going to be eaten!”.
A long time ago, the African pygmy goat was transported by ship to Europe and America. Some dwarf goats probably did not reach their destination because many other animals on the ship were fed with goats during transport.“Yes, imagine if I had been on a transport ship. Unthinkable! But that was all long before my time. Nevertheless. How can you? My life story so far isn’t funny either. When my partner died, I thought to myself that it had to go on somehow. I joined the chickens and geese. But sorry, this chattering would have been unbearable in the long run. No, it wasn’t for eternity!”.
Ossi’s owner was relieved when his goat was promised a place at Gut Aiderbichl. Goats can develop depression and illness if they have to live alone.
“Depression? Does it have something to do with food? Because I’m always hungry. But here, in my new forever home, I’ve never gone hungry. There’s everything a goat’s heart desires. Really great, guys!”.
As an intelligent goat, Ossi has already learnt what the small, green bowl of food that the animal keepers carry in front of her in the morning and evening means:
“Well, what might that mean, dear human? You humans are clever too, I’ve been told. But I’m not so sure that you humans would know straight away that there are lots of treats in the little green food bowl to entice us goats into the stable. Never mind, the pretty animal keepers lure us into the goat pen with the treats in the green bowl. Out in the morning and back in the barn in the evening with the bowl of treats. Really cool!”.
Ossi is well looked after and is happy to have so many species mates,around her.
Have a good life, dear Ossi!
Animals are the best of friends. They don't ask questions and don't criticise.
~ Mark Twain
