Leo the Goat, also known as Leonardo DiCaprigoat, came to our farm on February 27, 2016. All we knew at the time was Leo had been rescued from a devastating wildfire that had struck Rock Creek, British Columbia, in August 2015. However, this special little goat has quite a story – and has become quite the celebrity!
When we were asked if we could take in Leo, we didn’t know too much about this little goat. We were told he was staying temporarily with a local animal rescue organization, but needed a permanent home. Being herd animals, goats do best when kept with other goats, so we agreed to bring Leo to our farm where he would stay with our little goats.
It wasn’t until a few months later that we learned more about Leo, and the ordeal he had been through. In fact, Leo (who has been dubbed the “Miracle Goat” and the “Fireproof Goat”), had made headlines when he was found by firefighters, alive in his pen, after a raging wildfire destroyed everything around him (see the actual news reports at ‘Miracle Goat’ survives devastation of B.C. Rock Creek fire and Leo the goat survives Rock Creek wildfire). Amazingly, Leo had managed to escape the fire with only some minor burns to his tail! Leo’s family had lost almost everything in the fire, so a local animal rescue organization, CDART (the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team) assisted by taking Leo until the family could decide what they were going to do.
After the fire, Leo spent the next few months at Critteraid Farm, in the company of alpacas, and being cared for by their volunteers.
Eventually though, Leo’s previous family decided that they were unable to take Leo back with them. This was when we were contacted, and Leo came to be part of our lives. Since being at our farm, Leo got to meet his new veterinarian, had his feet trimmed, and has been spending all of his time getting to know his new “girlfriends” (he now lives with five female miniature goats).
It is no wonder that Leo has touched the hearts of so many people. Not only did he survive a horrific fire that devastated so many families in Rock Creek, B.C., but according to the news reports, Leo had been rescued two years ago by his previous family, after being tangled in a fence. Where he originally came from is a mystery though – all we know is that Leo has a hole in one of his ears, which may have been from an ear tag, but he has no other markings or tattoos.
Leo’s story was such an inspiration in Rock Creek that the founders of the Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival have even invited Leo to attend (check out Leo’s appearance in the amazing video on the front page of their website, or on YouTube). So, we will be taking Leo on another road trip, where he will be a guest at the festival on Sunday, August 21, 2016. We will also bring along one of Leo’s girlfriends, Eretria, to keep him company while we are there (plus she just loves attention too!).
We are very honoured to have this amazing little guy with our family. Leo adores attention and loves hanging around with his new herd, and can now just be a happy little goat.
Have a look at some more pictures of Leo and his journey.
Click the thumbnails below to view larger images…
I was one of the firefighters that found Leo, so happy he found a new home. Where is Leo now, would love to see him again 😊
Hi – I’m so glad to meet you! Leo lives with us at our farm just outside of Penticton. He is doing great here! I’ll email you separately with more info.