THE
park of
goats
and sheep
Who are they?
The species
Origins . Goats and sheep belong to the Caprinae family, which also includes chamois and chamois. They were domesticated 10,500 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of Mesopotamia. Their common ancestor is believed to be the Eotragus, an antelope-like animal that lived in the same region 20 million years ago.
Characteristics . There are approximately 400 breeds of goats and 1,000 breeds of sheep worldwide. The theoretical lifespan of goats is approximately 14 years. Their weight varies from 15 to 80 kg, depending on their size. Females give birth to 1 or 2 kids each year, after a gestation period of 5 months.
Character . These animals are endearing and integrate fully into human life (provided they are respected and do not suffer). They are gregarious animals and move in herds.
Who are our protégés?
Our protégés each have their own story, and their past is often evident in their behavior. There are so-called 'reform' goats, that is, those at the 'end of their career' (5-6 years for dairy goats and sheep, 4 years for nurse goats). After a short life of 'good and loyal service' in breeding, they are generally sent to the slaughterhouse. These animals join us exhausted and will no longer live their natural life expectancy. We also welcome kids (males) destined for the slaughterhouse for their meat; we then insist that they be accompanied by their mother, who will finally fully live out her maternal instincts.
Another scenario: individuals entrust us with their 'pet' goats and sheep when life's uncertainties no longer allow them to look after them.
Commercial exploitation
The entire body of goats is used… for meat, milk, skin and wool (in the case of sheep).
In France, goats are primarily farmed for their milk (to produce goat cheese). To maintain lactation, goats must repeatedly give birth to kids, which are separated from their mothers every few days to preserve the milk for human consumption. The kids enter the milk production cycle; the kids are largely fattened and sent to slaughter. Kid meat is also produced, considered a delicacy in some cuisines.
Sheep are mainly used for the production of meat and wool for human consumption.
Goats are also subjected to a death imposed by cultural and religious precepts – according to slaughter rites that not only take their lives but also inflict excruciating suffering.
👉 At any given time, France raises more than 8 million goats and sheep.
👉 Annually, nearly 5 million goats and sheep die at the slaughterhouse.
The numbers
Is it necessary to exploit them?
Humans do not need goats for food or clothing. Moreover, the current overconsumption of meat and dairy products is extremely detrimental to public health.
Did you know?
👉 Goats are vegans. They are ruminant herbivores with four stomachs.
👉 In livestock farming, separating goats and kids causes great suffering. Just like with humans, mothers and their children maintain a strong lifelong bond, as we see every day at the sanctuary.
👉 The skin growths under the goat's neck are called tassels or pendants. Their function is unknown.
👉 In breeding, horns are generally cut at birth, to avoid injuries between these animals which fight over spaces which are generally too restricted.