Nigerian Kid At WNC Nature Center

Come meet the new kid on the block at the Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville. Cocoa, the Center’s Nigerian Dwarf goat, gave birth for the first time, Thursday, May 15th, to a very cute little brown kid. Mom and kid are both doing well, but please don’t touch when you visit until this little kid grows older!

Cocoa has resided at the Nature Center since 2005. The father, Walker, also of the same breed, has returned to Reid Hill Farm after a brief appearance at the Nature Center this past winter.

From Wikipedia, “The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat breed of West African ancestry that was originally brought to the United States on ships as food for large cats such as lions… Nigerian Dwarf kids are usually very active. Within a short time after birth they are able to stand, walk and nurse. After a day or two they are usually trying to bounce and jump. Nigerian kids love to climb, run and skip. Siblings and groups of kids often race, butt or play "king of the mountain." When tired from play, the young kid will often find a quiet, hidden place and sleep until its dam (mom) bleats for it to nurse.”

The Nature Center’s mission is to educate the public about the flora and fauna of Western North Carolina to foster an interest in and appreciation for our diverse and unique native plants and animals. The Nature Center serves 27 counties in western North Carolina and each year welcomes 100,000 visitors through its doors. It is operated by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department of the City of Asheville.