Escaped goat in Kent returns in 'Christmas miracle'
The goat had been missing from a Rochester nature reserve for three months
Last updated 21st Dec 2024
Rangers from Kent's Wildlife Trust are celebrating what they call a 'Christmas miracle' after a goat which went missing on the 14th of September returned almost three months later, on the 12th of December.
The goat, called MacGyver, jumped over the fence at Wouldham Common, a Rochester nature reserve, before going missing.
Staff searched for hours over several days, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Rangers and livestock checkers were amazed when he appeared back with his herd in a healthy condition.
Ellie Edmondson, Trainee Wilder Grazing Ranger for Kent Wildlife Trust, described her surprise at MacGyver’s return: “We check the herd every day to make sure they’re all present and in good health. To my utter surprise, the count had increased by one—there was MacGyver, standing right next to his brother. They spent a good 10 minutes staring at each other as if catching up on all that had happened before resuming their normal routine. It’s such a relief to have him back where he belongs.”
“We were all pretty upset when he went missing and would often go looking for him on the off chance we might find him. To have him back safe and sound is the best festive gift we could ask for – you might even call it a Christmas miracle.”
Staff say they hope his adventuring days are over as he's settling now for Christmas.