Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Nigerian Dwarf and African Pygmy Goats
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 17, 2026
1. Nigerian Dwarf and African Pygmy Goats Marker
In the Wild
A domesticated animal originating in the Middle East about 10,000 years ago. The African Pygmy and Boer breeds were developed in western and southern Africa much more recently.
Social Structure
Herds of mixed sexes and ages.
Status
Domestic breeds introduced into the United States beginning in the 1950's.
Diet
If it's green, they will eat it! And sometimes it doesn't even have to be green. They prefer shrubs over grass.
Habits
Intelligent, social, creative and agile.
Fun Facts
Lambs come from sheep, fawns come from deer, calves come from cows, foals come from horses, squabs come from pigeons, kits come from cats and rabbits and puppies come from dogs. So why do we call human offspring kids like babies from goats?
Erected by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology.
Location. 39° 35.456′ N, 77° 25.68′ W. Marker is near Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Catoctin Furnace Road north of Kellys Store
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The North American Bison (within shouting distance of this marker); American Alligator (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jaguar (about 400 feet away); Koi (about 400 feet away); Collared Peccary (about 500 feet away); Sacred Ibis (about 800 feet away); Sun Bear (about 800 feet away); Lucky Bird's Aviary (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 17, 2026
2. Nigerian Dwarf and African Pygmy Goats Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
