Mountain Goat
Common Name:
Mountain Goat
Scientific Name:
Oreamnos americanus
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Diet: Diet consists of grasses, herbs, sedges, ferns, mosses, lichens, twigs, and leaves from low-growing shrubs and conifers.
Size: Head to body 120-180 cm; Tail 10-20 cm. stand about 1 m at shoulder.
Weight: Males 60-82 kg; Females 56-70 kg.
Lifespan: Their lifespan averages 12-15 years in wild, and up to 20 years in zoo.
Fun Facts
- Mountain goats have split hooves that spread wide to improve balance, while rough pads and a hard edge provide grip like mountain climbing shoes.
- Mountain goats are well adapted to cold climates, with thick fur, a dense layer of fat and a lower metabolic rate that helps conserve energy during harsh winters.
- Both males and females have horns. However, the males' horns are larger and more prominent. Their horns average 15-28 cm in length and contain yearly growth rings.
About Us
Our mountain goats often rotate habitats. Moving animals to different habitats is just one way we provide enrichment for the animals in our care. Rotating animals to new spaces provides an opportunity for new smells, sights, sounds and even places to nap. This also allows time for regrowth in our habitats for animals to enjoy when they return.