Baby Goats Ring in the Spring Season at Maymont Farm

 

Richmond, Virginia – Today, Maymont welcomes two baby goats to Maymont Farm, just in time for local schools’ Spring Break week, March 31 to April 4! Everyone is invited to meet the new kids while they are visiting from their home on a farm in Hanover County for the spring season.

The kids will be on view daily at Maymont Farm from 10 am to 5 pm this spring, including Spring Break Week, March 31 to April 4, and for Dominion Energy Family Easter on April 19. The Robins Nature Center will also be open on weekdays during Spring Break week.

The two kids, dubbed Tiger Lily and Larkspur, are both females who were born this winter and are fully weaned. The Tennessee domestic goat breed produces coats in many different colors: Tiger Lily is mostly brown with subtle black markings and Larkspur is mostly black, with a white hoof and white spot on her belly. Maymont’s resident goat herd includes three different breeds: Nigerian dwarf, pygmy and hybrid goats.

“We love having baby goats at Maymont Farm – their playfulness is infectious!” said Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “The diversity of animals at Maymont Farm gives members of our urban community a chance to experience farm life.”

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 invited to feed the cows, sheep and goats using healthy pellets available for a small token at the Farm.

“The baby goats help Maymont educators teach lessons about the seasonality of animal life cycles on domestic farms,” added Krista Weatherford, Director of Programming and Community Engagement. “As social animals, domesticated goats prefer to live in groups, so these youngsters will feel right at home surrounded by our other farm animals.”

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 grounds is always 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.

About Maymont

Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore its miles of walking paths through rolling hills, beautiful landscaped gardens, a petting farm and the Virginia Wildlife Trail with habitats for rescued native animals. In addition, Maymont offers guided and self-guided tours of the 1893 Maymont Mansion*, historic estate buildings and gardens, plus the immersive “Run of the River” experience highlighting the remarkable ecology of the James River in The Robins Nature Center. Since 1975, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entrusted to care for this unique place, galvanizing community support around its mission to delight, educate and inspire all who visit. Maymont annually welcomes over 800,000 guests and is consistently ranked among the region’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike.

*The Mansion is currently closed for a roof restoration project, and portions of the Virginia Wildlife Trail are undergoing an enhancement and expansion project. Learn more here.

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