While recuperating from an injury involving a Vespa, Jess Kurtz came across the Belmont goats while out for lengthy walks.
at 2012, she discovered them at their first residence, located on Southeast Belmont Street in the Goat Blocks, a complex that includes residences, a Market of Choice, and a Hopscotch PDX.
The goats were purchased in order to clear land for future development.
Kurtz, who grew up around goats in California and now teaches welding, among other things, first began assisting with pregnant goats.
After a few years, construction was scheduled to start on Belmont, and the original owner of the herd, which now had twelve animals, intended to sell them. However, the team of caregivers who had been working with the goats stepped up and bought the entire herd, according to Kurtz.
Two more children were born after that acquisition.
Kurtz is one of many volunteers who work with the goats. Belmont goats have also traditionally been a nomadic herd.
Their initial action was to purchase Portland Development Commission land near Lents in 2014.
They moved to Portland Housing Bureau land near University Park after spending Lent in two different places.
They moved to an adjacent plot of land after the initial location they occupied turned into a safe rest village.
“The plan for this land is affordable housing,” Kurtz stated.
It is anticipated that construction will start in June.
Goats typically have a lifespan of 10–14 years. Winter, the youngest goat in the herd, is eleven years old, and four of the goats have already passed away.
Bailey, the oldest, may be as young as 14 or as old as 18. According to Kurtz, the majority are around 13.
She went on to say that they are all seen as elderly.
The herd is now searching for a permanent home as they approach their last years.
To make it simple to remove the goats for care, they require access to a gate and water.
Additionally, Kurtz wants to retain them in Portland.
“They are the resident herd of Portland,” she remarked.
According to Kurtz, the charity organization that supports the goats has received offers for the animals to live out their days on farms outside of town, but first they will look at locations inside the city.
Kurtz’s motivation for wanting to retain the goats in Portland stems from the fact that everyone adored the goats while they were on Belmont.
According to Kurtz, the group of caretakers polled visitors to find out why they loved the goats before purchasing the herd in order to decide what to do next.
According to Kurtz, having animals in a green area in the center of the city was eventually beneficial, even though everyone had different motivations.
Many people, including school groups, continue to visit the goats in University Park. Twice daily, volunteers come to feed and tend to them.
Without a permanent home, it’s possible that Portland’s famed Belmont Goats may go extinct when the last member of the current herds passes away.
However, Kurtz stated that there is always a possibility that they would locate other goats and continue the urban goat herd initiative.
“We’re not leaving this land; if we were to find a permanent home,” she continued, “then we could definitely continue.”
Continue reading:
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Goats hired to mow Southeast Portland lot become neighborhood attraction
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Belmont Goats, Southeast Portland s famous hooved residents, head east for Lents
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The Belmont Goats are moving again (again)
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The Belmont Goats live in North Portland now
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Anarchists release Belmont Goats in protest of homeless sweeps
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No, the Belmont Goats are not buying Portland s Blackberry Castle. Here s what happened
Lizzy Acker writes the advice column and studies culture and life. Why, Tho?You can contact her at [email protected] or 503-221-8052.
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