Their playful nature can be seen as our two Alpine goats, chase each other around their yard and butt heads – a common form of play and dominance displayed in goats. Goats are also highly curious and easily trainable.

Goats have horizontal slit pupils which increase their peripheral depth perception. Alpines have excellent balance, which aid them in climbing along their rocky native lands. Goats are able to climb nearly vertical cliff faces. One of the hardiest and easily adaptable breeds, alpine goats are a favorite among goat breeders.

Goats are thought to be one of the first animals domesticated by man, some 9,000 years ago. The alpine breed are excellent milk-producing goats,and can be found in white, bay, brown, fawn, red, saffron, and caramel colors. Males typically have a pronounced beard as well as a patch of raised hair along their neck. Males and females of this breed can produce horns.

The lifespan of Alpine goats is 15-18 years.

In the wild: Grasses, herbs, lichens, and other plant matter

At the Zoo: Mazuri goat chow and hay

Mountainous grasslands, shrub lands, and plateaus