Pygmy goats feeling right at home in Riverwoods

Bouncing around like two little kids, Lily and Iris, seem to fit right in with the rest of the menagerie in the Ryerson Conservation Area farmyard.

The pygmy goats are settling into their new home in Riverwoods after being recovered from a farm near Rockford.

The Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock rescued them along with eight horses, six donkeys, 1 sheep and as many as 90 dogs. Edeltraud Crabb of the HAHS, said conditions at the farm were deplorable.

"The dogs were especially sad," Crabb said. "Inbred, crossbred... it was awful."

The rescue was especially timely because the Lake County Forest Preserve District was looking to add goats to their little flock of animals at Ryerson Woods.

"It was a match of destiny," said environmental educator Jill Stites.

Not quite sure where to find goats, Stites said a staff-member suggested calling the group in Woodstock. As fate would have it, they had goats ready for adoption.

The malnourished goats received veterinary care and were also named by the society's staff. Choosing flowers as a theme, they settled on Lily and Iris after an Internet search.

The one-year-olds joined the Ryerson family of animals, including two pigs, turkeys, chickens, two calves and six sheep. "At first, they seemed to be a little distant from the other animals." Stites said. "But now they're doing better, especially being the new kids on the block."