In the heart of winter, an unusual situation unfolded at the Mini Zoo in the Erzgebirge. When a keeper stumbled upon two freezing newborn goats early one morning, they quickly set about saving the newborns' lives. Weighing just 800 grams, one baby goat was barely clinging to existence, and a disabled toilet became their unexpected sanctuary.
Jana Hecker, the zoo's spokeswoman, explained, "The disabled toilet was the final solution due to lack of heatable space for the newborns. All other areas were occupied." The trio - Mother Frosty and her two chilly kids - were given warmth and care in their makeshift maternity ward.
The small family was in a tight spot. The diminutive girl goat required an electrolyte solution, oxygen, and a half-hour "defrosting" session with a hairdryer. Her brother, although lighter at 900 grams, also needed assistance to overcome old man winter's chill.
Hecker reported, "The measures worked. The baby goat was strong enough to be put back on her mother the following morning." The family trio was a living testament to the zoo's commitment to saving every life under their care.
The mother goat, Frosty, was born in similar circumstances a year earlier. Her survival was a miracle due to the keepers' rapid intervention, and she remains gentle and trusting to this day.
The two rescued children, now named "Kay" and "Gerda," were inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen." After their recovery, they were moved back to their barn, joining their fellow goats. Since December 1st, the barn had another five births, leading to a total of seven new additions.
The toilet was promptly attended to, ensuring it would return to its original purpose as a wheelchair-accessible facility. The zoo's spokeswoman reassured, "There were no wheelchair users in the meantime."
The Mini Zoo, home to over 400 animals, provides shelter for small breed domestics and rare miniature wild forms, including pygmy marmosets and dwarf mongooses.
With temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels, the Leipzig regional news highlighted this extraordinary tale of resourcefulness and commitment among the zoo's staff. Their efforts demonstrate how zoos adapt to extreme weather conditions, ensuring the survival and well-being of their animal residents.
