Waving goat causes a storm at Notts farm

A GOAT'S party piece is normally to eat anything in sight.

But Darren the Anglo-Nubian goat has come up with a new trick – waving.

The eight-year-old has caused a storm at White Post Farm, in Farnsfield, by standing on his hind legs and waving gleefully at passersby.

Anthony Moore, marketing manager at the farm, said: "At the moment, with the number of end-of-school-year trips we're taking, Darren's manically waving all the time.

"All the schoolchildren ask to see him and love waving back."

The number of people asking to see Darren in action has grown in recent weeks after he made waves on TV and online.

His antics appeared on the ITV1 show Animals Do The Funniest Things earlier this year, and videos of his waving have even been posted on YouTube.

In fact, it seems the only ones who don't like his attention-seeking behaviour are the other goats in his enclosure.

One YouTube video shows two goats lowering their heads through the fence while Darren performs his trick.

But other envious goats have taken to mimicking his talent.

Mr Moore said: "Darren realises it gets him extra attention, and extra food as a result.

"Now, the goats in the pen have started to copy him – he loves it!"

Until this year, Darren's trick would also be performed at the farm's annual summer show.

He would take to the stage in a sparkly bow tie, alongside pigs that sit on command and animals that can shake hands.

But the popular goat has been "retired" from this year's event to give the farm's other special animals their 15 minutes of fame, Mr Moore said.

But the waving still impresses youngsters in Notts.

Pupils at the Nottingham Islamia School in Hyson Green were amazed by his talent following a school trip to the farm.

Hasidah Khalid, seven, said: "I thought he was brilliant and I liked feeding him."

Six-year-old Hanan Murshid said: "I never knew goats could wave!''

Five-year-old Ihtisham Hussain commented: "Darren made me feel happy."

While Somaya Hussain, five, loved his winning smile, saying: "He had lovely teeth."

Darren's party piece can be seen online at www.whitepostfarm.co.uk/blog.

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk