More than 60 goats helping with upkeep for part of Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY – Several years after the City of Oklahoma City purchased goats for upkeep, officials say the “little munchers” are still doing a great job!
On Monday, the city posted the goats clearing out the “kudzu and invasive species” along the canal that transports water from Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner.
Guess who we’re hanging out with this morning? #okcgoats pic.twitter.com/gOs2FqdgNg
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
These little grass munchers clear out the kudzu and invasive species along the canal that transports water from Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner. pic.twitter.com/uvUyhV02aO
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
City officials say the areas along the canal are too steep for regular mowing equipment or for workers to access, so the goats clear out the overgrowth, including poison ivy.
The areas along the canal are too steep for regular mowing equipment, or our workers to access. The goats do a great job of clearing out the overgrowth, even poison ivy. #okcgoats pic.twitter.com/xS4W3dFzF7
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
Currently, there are about 61 goats in the herd, all located along different parts of the canal.
There are about 61 goats in our herd right now, located along different parts of the canal. pic.twitter.com/yFnrjO4Fit
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
The city first leased a herd from Langston University as a trial, and then years later, purchased its own herd and has been managing them since.
“Lots of perks to this job: all-you-can eat buffet and naps!” city officials said on Twitter.
Our first herd we leased from @LangstonU as a trial. Two years later, the City puchased its own herd and has been managing them ever since. Lots of perks to this job: all-you-eat buffet and naps! pic.twitter.com/lBXzTJIaWp
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
The goats are guarded by the city’s two donkeys, Monte and Sam, who keep guard over the herd.
The goats are guarded by our two donkeys, Monte and Sam (waaaay up on the hill over there), who keep predators at bay. They were being shy this morning. City staff checks on the goats daily, and they receive regular veterinary check-ups, as well. pic.twitter.com/JG9OhNATUa
— City of OKC (@cityofokc) June 24, 2019
According to the city, staff members check on the goats daily, and they receive regular veterinary check-ups as well.