🐐 BONUS EPISODE #2: Endangered but Extraordinary – Meet the Arapawa Island Goat | Barn & Soul Podcast
In this special Barn & Soul Bonus Episode, we’re diving into the story of one of the world’s rarest goat breeds: the Arapawa Island Goat. From mysterious 18th-century origins to their role in modern-day conservation, these unique animals are living pieces of history—and we’re honored to call a few of them family here at Dalby Farm.
🌿 Fast facts
✅ Fewer than 300 purebred Arapawas exist globally
✅ Descended from goats left by Captain James Cook in the 1770s
✅ Critically endangered as listed by The Livestock Conservancy
✅ Naturally hardy, intelligent, and adapted to rugged terrain
🎧 In this episode:
🧭 The origin story of the Arapawa Goat
📜 The Captain Cook connection and centuries of survival
🐾 Their role at Dalby Farm as conservation ambassadors
💡 What makes them different from commercial goat breeds
🏡 Care tips for Arapawas and goats in general
💔 Why their preservation matters for biodiversity and future farming
Whether you’re a goat lover, a rare breed enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode will leave you inspired by what can be saved when people care deeply enough to try.
🔗 Episode references include:
* Arapawa Goat Breeders Association of New Zealand
* "Captain Cook in New Zealand" by John Cawte Beaglehole, Oxford University Press (1967)
* Henson, K. (2008). "The Genetic Diversity of Arapawa Goats." Journal of Animal Genetics.
* Rowe, B. (1993). "Saving the Arapawa Goat." New Zealand Rare Breeds Society.
🐓 Support Our Work
Visit our Country Store – over 50% of every purchase directly supports the care of endangered animals like the Arapawa Goat.
📣 Stay Connected
👉 Subscribe for more bonus episodes & rare breed spotlights
📸 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @DalbyFarm
🎙️ Full Barn & Soul podcast episodes drop Wednesdays at 9 PM EST
🙏 Thanks for watching and helping us preserve the rare and wonderful things in life.
Until next time, take care—and don’t forget to appreciate the rare and wonderful things in life.
🔔 Subscribe for more farm life insights, rare breed conservation, and the behind-the-scenes of running a small farm! Remember, all the animals on our farm our PETS! They live out their days as educational ambassadors to our community far & wide! Please follow us here on Youtube!
Find us on Instagram & Facebook @DalbyFarm
Shop our Online Country Store! https://www.dalbyfarm.com/country-store
At least 50% of all shop revenue directly helps fund the care & upkeep of our 160 year old educational family farm and all the endangered breeds who live there.
...Or you can always shop for the animals instead! https://www.dalbyfarm.com/animals-shop
#ArapawaGoat #BarnAndSoul #DalbyFarm #RareBreedConservation #FarmPodcast #HeritageBreeds #LivestockConservation #CaptainCook #SustainableFarming #GoatLovers
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