At Fox Hill Primary School, we are proud to be the second home for our two pygmy goat sisters, Biba and Zara, who are on loan to us from The Bucks Goat Centre.

At Fox Hill Primary School we are passionate in finding opportunities for the children that extend beyond the average school offer, and the National Curriculum. We always look for ways in which we can enrich our children’s lives, as we are so proud to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to the children. Animals can be a calming influence on humans but they also can be an important life lesson; learning how to care for an animal and provide all it needs to be happy and safe. Our school values of Kindness, Curiosity, Self-belief and Pride are nurtured, developed and lived when caring for others and animals; as well as leadership, responsibility and personal development for our children that take on the daily duties needed to look after Biba and Zara.

The centre regularly partners with schools and community organisations, and both of our goats are well accustomed to new surroundings and to spending time with children and adults. Staff from the centre have supported us in designing an appropriate enclosure and provided training to ensure we can care for the goats confidently and safely.

Biba and Zara were raised at The Bucks Goat Centre and have lovely, calm temperaments. They are gentle, affectionate, and enjoy being stroked and given attention, although Zara can occasionally be a little bossy and may nudge Biba aside when she wants her own space. Biba has a grey coat with a white stripe, along with one black leg and one white leg. Zara is also grey, with a black stripe along her back and two black legs. 

When they are at the centre, they live alongside other goats including Biscuit, Romeo, Chewy and Chip. They are sociable animals and enjoy being with their other goat friends.

Our previous school farm trips have shown us just how much our pupils enjoy interacting with animals, feeding them, caring for them, and simply spending time with them. Goats are a wonderful addition to our school community as they are friendly, engaging, and well-suited to being around children.

The goats’ play in their enclosure area during the day, and at the weekends they are taken for walks around the school grounds, where they can explore and be active each day.

All pupils have the opportunity to see and interact with Biba and Zara, while our Year 6 pupils take on a leading role in their daily care. This includes feeding, grooming, cleaning out their enclosure, and moving them when needed, always under staff supervision. 

To ensure the safety of both the animals and our school community, we have clear rules and risk assessments in place. Anyone wishing to interact with the goats must follow these guidelines at all times. These can be found below. 

RULES: