This summer, the goats will be corralled and approximately 75% of the nannies will receive a contraceptive injection, which should prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Enquiries are also underway to move a small number of goats to other locations in the UK. If suitable places are identified, it is envisaged some goats could be relocated at the same time as the main round up.
Highlight of this year's work will be the presence of 1st Battalion of The Royal Welsh, who will be helping to round-up the goats in exchange for a new regimental mascot. Billy, the former mascot, has retired and the regiment will pick his replacement during their visit.
They're a wonderful tourist attraction, but lacking natural predators and enjoying the support of the visitors, who summon the RSPCA at the drop of a nanny, the herd has grown to such a size that the Orme can no longer support them during the winter months. If we don't want to see kids dying for lack of nourishment then there are really only two options: enforced contraception or the re-introduction of a natural predator - say, a pack of wolves. That in itself could be very beneficial to the tourist industry, since wolves tend to evoke the sort of gushing sentimentality employed by those who've never lived with them. Schools could even organise days out, to watch the wolves hunt down the bunnies and possibly dismember the odd small dog - all exciting stuff. Maybe a new entry for one of Wales' top ten attractions?
No comments:
Post a Comment