STAFF at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm are celebrating the arrival of an extremely rare baby Bagot goat.
The goat is said to be as close to extinction as the black rhino, with a UK population of about 80, despite breeding programmes going on across the country.
Allan Talley, Cholderton's farm manager, said: "We have a dozen Bagots here and it's one of the largest single groups of these incredibly rare goats anywhere in Britain."
New baby Gerald has certainly been getting plenty of love and attention from the delighted keepers. "Gerald's doing really well and has already won the hearts of visitors and staff alike. We're hopeful there may be more kids on the way in the next few days," added Mr Talley.
The goats, which are small with a white body and black head with a white blaze, are particularly noted for their sharp, swept back horns.
Their reproduction levels are very low as they are nervous animals who do not accept outsiders easily.
Their plight is now classified as "critical" by the United Kingdom Breeds at Risk Register which charts these things.
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