We share with heavy hearts the passing of our beloved goat friend Gilligan. Just three weeks ago we lost Gilligan’s best friend Max and none of us could foresee that we would also be saying good-bye to Gilligan so soon. These boys were both extremely large goats. Gilligan was over 250 pounds. They both had huge horns, big smiles, and tons of personality.  Both were thought to be about 12 years old and they came here together 5 years ago.

When they first got here from an animal cruelty case, neither goat was properly socialized and neither understood just how big and powerful they were. Their caretakers had to take special precautions around them because they just did not have proper manners. But over the years that changed and both Max and Gilligan became the most lovable and loved goats by staff and visitors alike.  Gilligan was a kind and caring soul once his true self felt safe enough to come out. He loved when children visited and was so inquisitive about getting to know visitors. Watching him blossom was a pure delight.

All of us were heartbroken for him when his buddy Max took ill and declined. Max died from what was most likely liver cancer. We tried so many things to help him but he just continually declined.  What none of us realized was that Gilligan was also dealing with the same problem but was not showing any symptoms yet. While we do not have a definitive answer, it is most probable that given the environment where they came from, that they were exposed to a toxin that was basically a ticking time bomb within them. This past week, Gilligan suddenly started showing signs that he was not feeling well.  It was the lab work that gave us the answers we didn’t expect to hear. It looked identical to Max’s diagnostics.

Today with the extreme cold and the pending snow storm, and undeniable information that there was nothing more we could do to help him, we knew it was time to let Gilligan find his friend Max once again.  The only solace any of us know is how much those two goats enjoyed being with one another.  Gilligan, we will miss you. You and Max have left a giant hole in the farm. But we smile understanding the reunion you both had. It was such an honor for us to be a part of your healing. What an amazing last 5 years we all shared.

Special thanks goes out to Gilligan’s caretakers.  It takes a special person with a very caring heart to come to work each day regardless of the weather conditions or if it is a holiday. They show up each day with their hearts open to these amazing animals. They work extremely hard in very difficult weather conditions. And their loss and heartache is especially hard when we all have to say good-bye to one of our animal family. On behalf of the Directors and the animals – Thank you all for all you do every day! You put the care in Spring Farm CARES.

(In the photo, Max on left, Gilligan right)