A disorderly hoard of goats took advantage of the silent conditions caused by the Coronavirus lockdown and occupied a Welsh seaside town. Their escapades gave them 15-minutes of viral attention, but it seems like the tale didn't stop there. The goats are back yet again and in larger numbers than ever after losing out on their annual dose of contraception because of the pandemic.
The community of Kashmiri goats lives in the stony landscape of Great Orme along the north coast of Wales, though sometimes visits the city of Llandudno in the spring and winter months in search of food. The goats were initially a present to a local lord from none other than Queen Victoria - According to Conwy County Borough Council. Some100 years ago, the goats evaded the estate and have walked peacefully in a rough state ever since.
Contraceptive Vaccine for Birth Control
While their connection with the locals was mostly harmonious, questions were been asked about their ever-thriving numbers. The local council concluded to gradually control and reduce the number of the herd by migrating the goats to other areas in the UK and employing a contraceptive vaccine for birth control.
There has been a population boom of the Kashmiri goats this year in their North Wales headland home after the Corona pandemic compelled countryside wardens to discontinue a scheduled contraception movement.
During the recent lockdown, the goats have moved even further from the Great Orme, spurring concerns that as restrictions are been called off, many of the animals who are adapted to having the streets very much to themselves might be in danger as vehicle traffic starts to increase.
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The Great Orme
Warden of the Great Orme country park Sally Pidcock explained that there were approximated 30 goats - the males are the ones that tend to wander - at large Llandudno and approximately 150 less adventurous males, including females and kids, back on the Great Orme.
In March 2020, the goats turned popular celebrities after they were captured roaming about Llandudno, clearly encouraged by the lack of individuals on the street because of the social distancing and stay-at-home measures.
The Female Goats
A year later, spring has barely started to peep its head over the clouds and the herds have resurfaced in the town, news reports suggest that there may be larger in numbers than ever, as the goat population might have experienced kid-explosion since they missed out their last years' contraceptive dose.
Cllr Louise Emery, from Conwy County Borough Council, said to ITV News: "We do attempt and regulate the figures on the Great Orme and we do that via a contraception programme. That includes rounding them all up, it requires several efforts - plenty of volunteers come together for it and to watch the female goats."
The next phase is still unwritten, but it's believed that the herd will slowly move away from the city. As social distancing measures are been called off.
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