Sanctuary for the Herd

John Carroll and Chad Wegener are caretakers of the largest herd of San Clemente Island goats in the world, but it almost didn’t happen. The goats weren’t native to the island and threatened the wildlife that was. The U.S. Navy planned to eliminate the population by shooting them from a helicopter, but an animal rights group stepped in at the last minute. Today, nearly one third of the world’s population of the goats reside in Gretna, Nebraska at Willow Valley Farms. The farm is owned and operated by Carroll and Wegener who are dedicated to conserving what is left of the species.

You can watch the video here.

Chad Wegener looks up as a goat steps on him to reach a branch at Willow Valley Farms on August 9, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

John Carroll, left, and Chad Wegener, right, walk their goats at Willow Valley Farms on July 19, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Chad Wegener takes a break while feeding goats at Willow Valley Farms on August 2, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Chad Wegener loads bales of alfalfa for the goats into his truck and at Willow Valley Farms on August 2, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Goats graze at Willow Valley Farms on August 9, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Chad Wegener, left, and John Carroll, right, unload feed at Willow Valley Farms on August 2, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

John Carroll feeds chickens at Willow Valley Farms on August 2, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

A goat nibbles on Chad Wegener's hat at Willow Valley Farms on July 19, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Goats graze at Willow Valley Farms on July 19, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Goat skulls lay in the grass at Willow Valley Farms on August 2, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Chad Wegener, left, and John Carroll, right, make blackberry jam in their home at Willow Valley Farms on August 10, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Chad Wegener, left, finishes chores at Willow Valley Farms on August 9, 2016 in Gretna, Neb.

Sanctuary for the Herd