Why Were These Baby Goats Advertised on Craigslist Before They Were Even Born?

When a Craigslist ad for three baby goats went live, the babies—who we later named Shemp, Curly, and Moe—hadn’t even been born yet. As soon as their mom gave birth, anyone could claim them.

Why weren’t these newborn babies with the mother who had just given birth to them? Because goats and cows, like all mammals, only produce milk after giving birth. In the dairy industry and backyard homesteads, this leads to mothers being routinely separated from their babies so the milk meant for their babies can instead be taken for human consumption.

When we saw the Craigslist ad and got news that the babies had been born, we rescued Shemp, Curly, and Moe and welcomed them to sanctuary.

Mother goats are devoted parents. They recognize their babies by scent, appearance, and voice, gently groom them, nurse them, and protect them from danger as they build lifelong family bonds. But Shemp, Curly, and Moe were denied that affection and family simply because someone wanted to drink the milk meant for them.

Luckily, they were met with love and dedicated care at the sanctuary, where they were bottle-raised and found their own unconventional family of humans and other rescued animals. Moe crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2022 surrounded by everyone who loved him, and we miss him deeply. 

Today, Shemp and Curly continue to thrive. They love meeting volunteers and visitors, soaking up scratches, and getting into mischief by trying to sneak through gates and steal the roosters’ food! 

While we mourn the bond that was denied them and their mother, we are grateful that Shemp, Moe, and Curly have spent and will continue to spend their lives surrounded by love, safety, and freedom.

You can help animals like Shemp, Curly, and Moe by opting for plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk. Every food choice can be a vote for compassion rather than exploitation. Thank you for choosing compassion.