Press Release

A Sure Sign of Spring: Baby Goats Arrive at Maymont Farm

Richmond, Virginia – To celebrate spring, Maymont welcomes three baby goats to Maymont Farm this week, just in time for Dominion Energy Family Easter on March 30. The new kids on the block are visiting Maymont for a few weeks from their home on a farm in Hanover County and will be on view daily at the Maymont Farm from 10 am to 5 pm during March and April, including Spring Break Week, April 1-5.

The three kids, Bunny, Berry and Birdy, were born this winter and are now fully weaned. Domesticated goats (Capra hircus) are sociable animals and prefer to live in groups. While these youngsters are visiting, they will pal around with Maymont’s current goat herd, which includes three different breeds: Nigerian dwarf, pygmy and hybrid goats. The three kids are a Tennessee domestic goat breed that includes coats of many different color variations. Bunny and Berry are females and a light tan color; Birdy is male with a white coat.

“Baby animals help Maymont’s environmental educators teach visitors about the seasonal nature of animal life cycles,” said Krista Weatherford, Director of Programming and Community Engagement. “Seeing very young animals along with mature animals gives a wider understanding of life on a farm.”

“We are happy to provide our community throughout the Richmond region with a chance to enjoy and interact with the resident animals at Maymont Farm,” added Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “It’s such a delight to see baby animals leaping about and exploring the world around them.”

Along with the goats, Maymont Farm is home to horses, cows, sheep, alpacas, pigs, chickens, ducks and a Sicilian donkey. At the Farm, guests are welcome to purchase tokens for feed pellets for the cows, sheep and goats.

Between the Farm animals, The Robins Nature Center, and the habitats for rescued native wildlife, Maymont cares for over 300 animals representing more than 85 different species. Anyone who would like to help feed and care for the new babies and the rest of the Maymont animal family is encouraged to donate to the Adopt an Animal program.

Free parking is available at the Farm lot at 1001 Spottswood Road. Admission to Maymont is free, and a suggested $5 donation is welcome. Maymont grounds are open from 10 am to 7 pm from March to October, and from 10 am to 5 pm from November to February.

Maymont is a well-preserved, historic 100-acre estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

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Note to editors: photos are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org