GOATS
Curious lives, cared for intentionally
CHINO - 3 Years Old
HELEN - 2 Years Old
Helen was rescued in May, becoming the first—and youngest—addition to Full Circle Farm Sanctuary in 2024. She was surrendered due to her special needs, having been born blind. At just three months old, Helen was found disoriented in a pasture, unable to locate the barn. She narrowly survived severe sun exposure, and it became clear to those caring for her that she required a level of attention they could not provide.
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With experience supporting blind goats Nestor and Dougie, the sanctuary was prepared to meet Helen’s needs.
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Efforts were made to have Helen’s family join her, recognizing how important social bonds are at such a young age. Unfortunately, only Helen was permitted to be surrendered. Knowing the transition would be difficult, large stuffed animals were provided to offer comfort during her early days. Helen was promptly evaluated at Auburn University, where inflammation in her eyes was treated. An ophthalmologist prescribed twice-daily eye drops, which she will require for life. If her comfort changes, additional specialist visits—and possibly eye removal surgery—may be necessary.
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Several months later, the sanctuary was contacted about a goat named Cappuccino, later affectionately nicknamed Chino. At two years old, he had spent his entire life at a boarding barn in a large mixed group of goats, horses, and donkeys. A good Samaritan who had known him since birth reached out for help after Chino sustained a hind leg injury during a storm. He had been dragging the leg for three weeks, likely after being kicked as the animals ran for shelter. Despite the injury, no medical care was attempted, and euthanasia was being considered.
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Determined to help, the good Samaritan successfully convinced the owner to surrender Chino and transported him to a meeting location for intake. Chino was taken directly to Auburn University, where X-rays confirmed his bones were intact. He was diagnosed with nerve damage along his right hip, likely caused by blunt force trauma. The prognosis was uncertain—the injury might improve, but it was not expected to worsen. Arthritis was anticipated due to his altered gait, and strict stall rest was required for several weeks.
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Today, Chino is significantly healthier. While he retains a distinctive walk and cannot keep up with more physically demanding goat groups, his condition has improved, and he continues to do well with ongoing support. He will require lifelong accommodations and attentive care.
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Chino and Helen now share their own pasture just outside the medical barn, where they can be closely monitored. The two have formed a strong bond and are rarely more than a few feet apart. Helen no longer needs stuffed animals for comfort—she has Chino. Gentle and patient, he moves at her pace and offers steady companionship.
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Watching this pair—both once at risk of losing their lives—now living safely and contentedly together is a powerful reminder of why individualized, lifelong care matters. Providing the extra support they need is not an exception here; it is the standard they deserve.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
HIPPO - 13 Years Old
Hippolyta, often called Hippo, is an undeniable sweetheart and a true lovebug. Her pasture is one of the most relaxed spaces on the property. While her group enjoys all the usual goat activities, they’re far less inclined toward chaos than some of the other goat residents. Step into Hippo’s pasture and you’ll quickly notice a line forming—scratches are a popular request.
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Hippo arrived as a surrender alongside her best friend and fellow Saanen goat, Puck. Saanens are commonly used in the dairy industry, where repeated pregnancies are required to maintain milk production. Hippo was spared that reality. Nothing is taken from her here, and her days are entirely her own—whether that means napping atop a picnic table or attempting to sample the grass just beyond the neighboring fence.
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One of the sanctuary’s super seniors, Hippo has navigated and overcome several health concerns over the years. With consistent, attentive care, she has remained resilient and continues to thrive in her elder years. Often credited with having the best beard of the goat herd, she stays active and has taken on a gentle grandparent role with younger goats Pelé and Anjo. As she’s aged, Hippo has developed some joint concerns and receives daily medication to support her comfort and mobility. During the colder months, she wears a custom magenta jacket to help regulate her body temperature—a sight that never fails to bring a smile.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
PELÉ - 9 Years Old
Pelé and his sister Xuxa were two of only three births to ever occur at Full Circle Farm Sanctuary. Like Sylvia, who arrived pregnant and later gave birth to Scarlett, their mother Fawn came to the sanctuary while expecting, carrying both siblings.
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Fawn had escaped auction and was later found wandering the streets of Atlanta, her auction number still glued to her forehead. She proved to be a devoted and attentive mother to Pelé and Xuxa, as well as to her adopted son, Anjo. The family was rarely apart, with Fawn and Xuxa sharing an especially close bond.
In the winter of 2023, tragedy struck during a severe storm. A tree fell onto the goat house where the herd had gathered for shelter. Fawn and Xuxa were positioned on one side of the structure and lost their life instantly on impact. Pelé, Anjo, Puck, Isabella, and Hippolyta were trapped on the other side.
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Emergency responders assisted in freeing the survivors. In a final act of care and respect, Animal Care Manager Emma and board members worked for hours attempting to recover Fawn and Xuxa so they could be cremated.
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In the wake of such profound loss, Pelé and Anjo were supported by the remaining members of their herd. Pelé, in particular, has formed a close bond with Puck, who has taken on the role of teacher. From Puck, Pelé learned how to use his height to reach prime snacking spots along taller branches.
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Pelé is highly food motivated and firmly believes that meals are better when shared—especially when they belong to someone else. He approaches feeding time with confidence, curiosity, and a talent for appearing exactly where snacks are being served. He also enjoys a good scratch between the horns and often runs to greet caretakers when they enter the pasture. Confident and resilient, Pelé carries himself with curiosity and determination.
Seeing him alongside his mother, sister, and brother was a rare and deeply meaningful experience—entire families seldom remain intact in the world these animals come from, and those moments were cherished. Today, Pelé bears markings reminiscent of Fawn and Xuxa, and in his presence, their memory continues.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
SHANE- 13 Years Old
Shane is the undisputed GOAT of mischief. Entire chapters could be written about his daily exploits. Snacks and keeping everyone alert rank high among his favorite activities.
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Like Salty, Shane is a LaMancha goat and a proud member of the tiny ear club. He is a natural leader and the highest-ranking member of his goat gang. Confident, determined, and unapologetically bold, Shane is convinced that gates are merely suggestions. When a plan for chaos succeeds, a very specific expression crosses his face—one that clearly says, I win. If stealth were an Olympic sport, Shane would take gold without breaking a sweat.
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Shane’s personality is as big as his ambitions. Friendly, outgoing, and undeniably charming, he makes a point to greet visitors—especially if there’s a chance his charisma might result in a leaf snack or an offered branch. He is remarkably efficient when it comes to achieving his goals.
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Despite his larger-than-life presence today, Shane did not always live safely. He was found abandoned in the woods, locked inside an old crate, suffering from lice, parasites, and malnutrition. He needed medical care, proper nutrition, and the security of consistent, compassionate support. With time and care, Shane recovered—and quickly embraced his role as a confident, opinionated leader.
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Seeing how far Shane has come is deeply meaningful. His antics are endlessly entertaining, but they also reflect something deeper: confidence regained, curiosity intact, and a life no longer defined by survival. Shane’s shenanigans aren’t just mischievous—they’re a celebration of resilience.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
SALTY- 9 Years Old
Salty is a shy guy with an unforgettable face. One of his most distinctive features is his tiny ears, a genetic trait characteristic of the LaMancha breed. Salty is also the only goat at Full Circle Farm Sanctuary who was born without horns. Combined with his reserved nature and slimmer build, this places him lower in the herd’s social hierarchy. Still, his ranking doesn’t stop him from getting into a little mischief now and then—and those moments are always celebrated.
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Salty is part of the Scape Goat group, which has since been integrated with the Bachelor Goat group. Along with Jesse and George Michael, Salty came from the goat dairy industry before being redirected into the landscaping world.
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The company that used these goats for land clearing failed to provide proper nutrition or veterinary care. As a result, Salty, Jesse, and George Michael developed parasites and became seriously ill. Once they were no longer considered profitable, they were surrendered. That marked the beginning of a long and careful journey toward recovery.
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Restoring the Scape Goats to good health took considerable time. To protect the rest of the goat herd from parasite transmission, the trio lived in their own dedicated pasture while undergoing months of treatment and healing. Eventually, Salty, Jesse, and George Michael were healthy enough to be fully integrated with the Bachelor Goats—forming what is affectionately known as a goat supergroup.
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Salty often spends time with Zac, another gentle and reserved soul. Sweet-natured and thoughtful, Salty chooses his adventures carefully. Extra effort is made to sneak him leaf snacks when the more dominant goats aren’t paying attention—and judging by his reaction, the stealth is very much appreciated.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
NESTOR- 11 Years Old
Nestor was born on a small dairy farm. As a male goat unable to produce milk, he was destined for slaughter. Because Nestor was born blind, the farm owner chose to surrender him instead. In a system that does not value male goats, Nestor was destined for harm. Being born blind changed that outcome and ultimately saved his life.
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Nestor relies on memory and his other senses to navigate the pasture and engage with the world around him. His hearing is especially sharp and is his primary tool for investigating new activity. He knows his name well—when it’s called, Nestor lifts his head, tunes in, and often trots over to the fence to see who’s there and whether scratches might be involved. Like any goat, he participates fully in goat behaviors, including play and headbutting.
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Nestor shares friendships with members of Hippo’s group, and their playdates are a regular part of his routine. His companions interact with him gently and attentively. Even during playful sparring, they adjust their energy, understanding that a softer touch matters. Nestor enjoys their company and the opportunity to do what goats do best—together.
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In addition to spending time with other goats, Nestor is comfortable around the Care Team, who know him well. He is relaxed in their presence and receptive to attention. With his sweet disposition, confident posture, and striking markings, Nestor carries himself with a quiet charisma—proof that blindness has never limited who he is or how fully he lives.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
