Posted: August 6, 2024
Five four-legged residents of North Lindsey College’s animal department have been granted a royal title by King Charles III.
The Golden Gurnsey Goat breed – which is considered “at risk” on the UK’s Rare Breeds Watchlist – was renamed the Royal Golden Gurnsey Goat by the King on 16 July to mark the significance of His and Her Majesty’s first visit to Guernsey in role, and to honour the special breed.
This new title applies to all Golden Guernseys meaning the college’s goats are amongst those becoming the first livestock breed to receive the protected title.
The college welcomed Blanche and Jo, two of its five female goats, back in 2019 and went on to acquire three sisters Edith, Agnes and Margo a year later. The goats were relocated to the college to give animal management students the opportunity to gain experience with larger animals and livestock.
Natasha Wynne, Animal Management Technician Co-ordinator at North Lindsey College, said: “The goats are so special to the team and our students. Royal titles aren’t granted very often, so we’re thrilled to have our very own royal residents on site. They’re treated like royalty, so it’s fitting that they now have the title to match!
“Our students learn a variety of skills from the goats including livestock care, nutrition, lifestyles and even health and safety working with larger animals.”
A more recent addition to the college’s flourishing animal unit is a group of rescue hens. Rosemary, Maple, Sage and Juniper joined the college back in February of this year after being rescued from a caged hen farm and are really thriving in their new home.
“The hens have grown tenfold in confidence, and they have a much more positive and outgoing disposition now having settled in. This rescue project doesn’t just give these creatures a new lease of life, it provides yet another unique experience for our students who want a career working with animals,” adds Wynne.