San Clemente Goats

 

Although the origin of San Clemente goats has not yet been determined, the goats survived for centuries on San Clemente Island off the coast of California. The U.S. Navy became responsible for the island around 1934 when an estimated 11,000 goats inhabited the island. The Navy began destroying the goats and the animal rights group, Fund for Animals, halted the Navy’s work. An estimated 4,000 goats remained after the court battle and in 1980 the goats were rescued from the island and placed in homes.

Chuck Schaum, Farm Manager, retrieved a San Clemente herd of 14 from New Mexico in the summer of 2007. We acquired the herd from Ms. Tepper in New Mexico who acquired them from Mr. Johnson who acquired them from Fund for Animals, the original rescue group of the San Clemente goats.Many thought years of isolation would make the San Clementes less resistant to disease. Many goats were lost to disease during the move off the island but the goats left today are the hardiest of the bunch and our modern day breed stock.It is believed there are fewer than 200 San Clemente goats world-wide. We are dedicated to preserving this important goat.San Clemente goats are small, hardy goats. They are horned in both sexes and uniquely fine-boned and deer-like. Some breeders have stated it takes years for does to become acclimated with their surroundings before they are able to breed and some breeders state it does not take long at all.

In 2007 we had seven kids born. Thus far in 2009, we have had two kids born. If you are interested in preserving this special breed contact Allison Schaum at allison@liveoakfarmsllc.com