The four goats can be seen at the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo. (photo by Carl Myers)

Visitors to the Los Angeles Zoo have four new residents to meet as a group of six-month-old Boer goat kids has joined the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo.

The four female goats recently debuted in the ranch area, where guests can pet and interact with them alongside the zoo’s Nigerian dwarf goats during daily encounters from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., except Thursdays and weather permitting.

“People love visiting the goats, and we are excited to expand the experience and watch our guests’ reactions,” said Dominick Dorsa II, director of animal care at the Los Angeles Zoo. “It is enriching for both our guests and the animals, and the close encounters help foster empathy for wildlife and create meaningful connections to nature.”

The goats were born six months ago through Covina High School’s Future Farmers of America program, where students cared for the animals and their mothers before the kids were transferred to the zoo.

“The Covina High School FFA Program started in 1948, and we are the only remaining FFA chapter in the San Gabriel Valley with around 200 participating students,” said Angie Bacon, FFA adviser and agricultural science teacher at Covina High School. “Covina High School’s farm is fortunate to have a Boer goat breeding program that allows our students hands-on opportunities to work with large livestock and gain skills that help them in their future, including pursuing careers in animal health and veterinary care.”

Bacon said placing the goats at the Los Angeles Zoo expands the program’s mission of educating the public about animals and their care.

Boer goats originated in South Africa, and their name is derived from the Dutch word “boer,” meaning “to farm.” The breed was introduced to the United States in the early 1990s and has become widely used in farming and livestock programs.

The four Boer goat kids can be seen in the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo at the Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park.

For information, visit lazoo.org.