A Decade with the Arapawas: How Rare Goats Found a Home and a Future at Conner Prairie

For decades, goats have been crowd favorites at Conner Prairie’s Animal Encounters, captivating guests with their curious energy. But it wasn’t until 2015 that a rare and remarkable breed—the Arapawa Goat—joined the ranks of heritage livestock at this Indiana living history museum. As we mark the ten-year anniversary of these unique animals becoming part of our agricultural story, it’s a perfect time to look back at their origins and celebrate the progress we’ve made in their conservation. 

The Dream of Heritage Goats 

While historic, heritage breeds were still at the core of the program, our efforts focused more on educating about the breeds and less on actual breed conservation. A smaller staff and fewer resources meant that numbers simply couldn’t exceed a handful of each species. Director of Agriculture Initiatives, Stephanie Buchanan, recalls early conversations with then-Livestock Manager, Kevyn Miller. Their vision of expanding their livestock at the museum led them to consider a heritage goat breed. Goats were the logical next addition, but not just any goat. 

Historical documentation of goats in early 19th-century Indiana was sparse. However, research pointed to the Arapawa Island Goat, whose lineage dates back to the mid-18th century. These goats, hardy and feral by nature, were believed to resemble those that may have lived in the Midwest during the 1800s. There was only one major challenge — their extreme rarity. Fewer than 600 Arapawa goats existed worldwide. 

From a Dream to a Herd 

One conversation with a guest particularly stood out at the time. Heritage breed goats were simply out of reach for Conner Prairie. Little did Stephanie and the Ag team know that within a few short years, the impossible would become a reality. 

The breakthrough came when Kevyn reached out to Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. They had a buck available, and pointed the team toward other sources for does. The first Arapawa to set hoof on Conner Prairie soil was a shaggy, bearded buck from Kansas. He was soon joined by three does from a New York farm, marking the true beginning of Conner Prairie’s Arapawa herd. 

Despite travel hiccups—a flat tire and a snowstorm—the goats arrived safely and settled quickly. Two of the does gave birth while at Conner Prairie, and Conner Prairie retained one of the does and her kid, establishing the foundation of what would grow into a thriving flock. 

Discovering the Arapawa Difference 

These early goats exhibited traits that made them stand out. They were nearly feral on pasture but gentle and social at the Animal Encounters Barn. The does proved to be excellent mothers, while the kids were vigorous and independent from birth. The goats were also resilient and incredible foragers—traits likely honed by centuries of survival on New Zealand’s Arapawa Island. 

In every way, Arapawas proved to be a perfect fit for Conner Prairie’s evolving agricultural vision. 

Building a Conservation Legacy 

In the years following the initial additions, the herd grew significantly. More goats arrived from Sedgwick County Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and private breeders. Even after Kevyn’s unexpected passing in 2018, his vision endured. What began as a modest breeding effort soon blossomed into a full-fledged conservation initiative. 

Emily Pennington, current Livestock Manager and President of the Arapawa Goat Breeders Association, has helped lead these efforts into a new era. Under her guidance, Conner Prairie’s Arapawa herd is now one of the five largest in the country, with more than 85 goats sold to breeders in 18 states. 

A National and Global Impact 

Conner Prairie’s Arapawa genetics now contribute to herds across the United States. The Agriculture team has prioritized maintaining and expanding genetic diversity by reintroducing less-utilized genetic lines. Over the past two years, we’ve used semen from the Smithsonian Biorepository through advanced reproductive techniques like artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Reintroducing less-utilized genetics, Conner Prairie has welcomed 21 genetically vital kids in the past two years. 

Conner Prairie has also partnered with the USDA’s National Animal Germplasm Program, banking genetic material to safeguard the breed’s future. 

What Makes Arapawas Special? 

These goats continue to impress us.  Arapawa goats are incredibly hardy. It’s impressive how well they’ve adjusted to living in managed herds after surviving for so long on an island. We’ve also learned through trial and error how best to manage these uncommon goats, as their unique characteristics and feral heritage set them apart from more common breeds. Tall, sturdy fences are crucial to keep these agile climbing animals from wandering. Adapted to eating seaweed on the island, these goats require higher amounts of iodine in their diets. Babies are very independent and self-sufficient to the point of being stubborn if you try to help them too much.  We’ve learned that each goat looks distinct; they come in a wide range of colors, some with long hair and some with short, some with spots and some solid colored, and most (but not all) with badger stripes on their faces. Despite their wild origins, however, these adaptable goats enjoy interacting with guests in Animal Encounters and are always happy to lean in for a good chin or shoulder scratch. A few of them will even walk right up when you’re cleaning pens or filling water buckets, just to say hello. They serve as remarkable ambassadors for their breed, and for heritage breeds as a whole.     

A Matriarch and a Milestone 

What happened to that first doe kid born here at Conner Prairie—the daughter of the doe from New York?  She still lives here and as the mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and even great-great-great-grandmother of many of our goats, both here and on other farms, she has truly become the matriarch of our herd.  When you visit Animal Encounters, you might just have the chance to meet the beautiful goat who helped establish our Arapawa conservation efforts so many years ago.   

Looking Ahead: The Next Ten Years 

Preserving a rare breed takes dedication. While progress can sometimes be slow, the rewards are immediate and deeply fulfilling. From soap and lotion products made with Arapawa milk to national breeding collaborations, these goats are not only surviving—they’re thriving. 

Conner Prairie remains committed to ensuring that the Arapawa goat has a future. Alongside other passionate breeders and zoos, they’re proving that with care, collaboration, and a little bit of goat tenacity, even the rarest breeds can make a comeback. 

Here’s to ten years of Arapawas at Conner Prairie—and to the many years still to come.