Need a new lawnmower (or two)? Zoo may have the answer as reno plans prompt call to rehome goats

Five goats from the iconic Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Zoo are looking for new homes due to refurbishment plans. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.

Several tenants at Wagga’s iconic Botanic Gardens Zoo and Aviary are looking for new homes.

Five goats, who have been on display for several years, need to be relocated following the zoo’s decision to make several renovations.

The zoo is seeking expressions of interest from Wagga community members willing to rehome the goats.

Curator Wendy McNamara said the zoo hoped the goats would be kept as pets, lawnmowers and weed eaters, preferably in a hobby farm.

“With all the renovations and changes we’ve had going on at the zoo, the goats have been off display for some time,” Ms McNamara said.

“For their benefit, we would like to find them new homes where they can live out their days somewhere more comfortable and with more space.”

The goats looking for new homes are Bilbo (male), Rocky (male), Lumpy (female), Scraggles (female) and Figwit (female).

The zoo is seeking applicants who can take on two or more of the goats for them to comfortably adapt to a new environment.

“We are asking people to put in an expression of interest for the goats and explain what they can offer in terms of a home for them,” Ms McNamara said.

“It’s not about the highest bidder, it’s about the best outcome for the goats. We do love them, so we will be selective about where they go.”

Applicants looking to adopt the goats must provide photographs of the property intended to house the animals to demonstrate appropriate living conditions.

Requirements of the new owners must include an agreement to provide the goats with a safe, secure and permanent home with suitable land, fencing and shelter for the remainder of the animals’ lives.

There will also be a screening process for applicants to ensure the goats aren’t being acquired for slaughter, consumption or profit, and are not intended for on-selling.

Expressions of interest close on Sunday, 25 June, and can be made here.

For further information about the goats, the conditions of their rehoming or to arrange to view them in person, contact the zoo on 0418 228 348 or email [email protected].