The Secret Of The Flying Goats
Morocco’s tree climbing goats
Do goats really fly up to the trees in this North African nation?
Some say that the goats actually can naturally climb up the Argan trees because they are attracted to the sweet fruit of the trees.
I heard about this phenomena and wanted to know more about it . Some folks call them the “Flying Goats” and will come from all over to take photos.
“..Morocco is experiencing its worst drought in decades, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to grow crops in this western region of Marakesh-Safi. Beginning in the early 2000s, some started treeing their goats to earn tips from tourists. The income source dwindled after the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020. But after the country’s lockdown ended early this year, the goat-display business resumed—and with it, criticism from animal welfare advocates…”(National Geographic)
Yes, the truth came out that the farmers were coaxing the goats to climb up the trees. This was not an actual natural phenomenon and many animal activists are upset about it and others are concerned for the trees too.
“Nine separate herds, including Benaddi’s, can be seen adorning trees along the roughly hundred-mile road from ancient Marrakech to Essaouira, a bright, breezy city on the Atlantic coast that’s popular with tourists. The goats generally stand from late morning to mid-afternoon, when traffic is heaviest between the two cities. Goats in trees also can be seen farther south, near Agadir in the Souss-Massa region.” ( N.G.)
Apparently, it takes up to 6 months to train the goats. Before the pandemic they could make about $20.00 a day if 10 vehicles stopped. In the pandemic this one man had 13 goats die during the lockdown. Things I’ve certainly never thought about during our own pandemic struggles.
I guess we can pray that more tourists arrive or for rain to end the drought in North Africa. So much to pray for.
Tree climbing goats. Who would’ve imagined?