Six Kids Born In London Zoo

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31017, 24 March 1966, Page 16

Six Kids Born In London Zoo

[From the London correspondent of “The Press’’] LONDON March 19.

Six kids have been born to the herd of white goats at London Zoo during the last three weeks. These are no ordinary goats, for they are deseended from a Royal herd.

They have the possibility of military employment when they grow up and are, in themselves, very striking, with their long white fluffy coats.

The Royal herd of Cashmere goats was started in Windsor Park, in 1828. Albert, the Prince Consort, was one who took a great interest in them. In 1936, Edward VIII presented 10 goats to the London Zoo and the present herd is descended from these.

From it are selected the white goats which act as mascots to battalions of the Welch Regiment, and the Royal Welch Fusiliers and here again the link goes back to the last century. The 41st Regiment of Foot, later the Welch Regiment, adopted a Russian goat as a mascot during the Crimean War.

It was later killed in action and Queen Victoria was so

impressed when she heard the story that she decreed that the regiment should always have a goat from her own herd.

The military goats are trained carefully before they leave the zoo. They must learn to stand quietly and obediently if occasion demands it, and not to be bothered by the various regalia the battalions insist on them w’earing for cere-