New “kids” on the block steal the show at Lincoln Park Zoo

There are two new kids on the block at Lincoln Park Zoo, and they’re already stealing the show. Five-month-old goat brothers Lincoln and Parker are the latest residents at the zoo’s Farm-in-the-Zoo, joining their older half-brothers Billy and Gruff, who arrived last year.

The new duo made their debuts in August and can be spotted easily by their tan coats and striking blue eyes. These features set them apart from their half-siblings. Parker, born March 18, is the larger of the two, with darker markings on his front legs and back. He wears a purple collar and, according to zoo caretakers, tends to be the bolder of the two brothers. Lincoln, born just a few days later on March 22, according to Lincoln Park Zoo, is the smaller of the pair, but equally full of personality. 

The four brothers belong to a relatively new breed called Mini Nubians. Recognized by the Miniature Dairy Goat Association, these goats are known for their distinctive long, floppy ears, compact size, and gentle, friendly nature. Mini Nubians can live up to 15 years, and while they may be small, they’re sturdy. Adults typically average around 31 inches in height and can weigh up to 120 pounds. Their playful demeanor and approachable size make them a favorite in petting zoo environments, where children and adults alike can interact with them safely.

Farm-in-the-Zoo is the perfect backdrop for these new additions. The exhibit, which first opened in 1964 and was renovated in 2002, was designed to give city kids (and city parents, too) a chance to connect with the natural world. It’s nestled at the south end of Lincoln Park Zoo and offers a bucolic slice of farm life within Chicago’s urban landscape. Guests can explore three barns, the Main Barn, Livestock Barn, and Dairy Barn, while wandering outdoor yards filled with goats, cattle, pigs, ponies, and rabbits.

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The farm emphasizes play-based and hands-on learning. Visitors can feed the chickens, groom the goats, or watch the piglets and ponies up close, depending on the season. Two thriving produce gardens also showcase typical Illinois crops and backyard-friendly vegetables, much of which are used to feed the animals. It’s a space built around sensory learning, where guests are encouraged not just to look, but to touch, smell, and listen to the sounds of farm life.

Zoo staff say the goat brothers have settled in nicely, and the public has already taken a shine to them. Their names, Lincoln and Parker, are a nod to Chicago neighborhood pride, joining a long tradition of Lincoln Park Zoo weaving local connections into its exhibits. With their distinct personalities and easy charm, the goats have become fast favorites with visitors.

Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or just passing through, the farm offers an opportunity to slow down and enjoy simple encounters with animals that have been part of human life for centuries. And with four floppy-eared Mini Nubians now hopping around the goat yard, there’s even more reason to stop by.

Farm-in-the-Zoo is included with admission to Lincoln Park Zoo. For more information on zoo hours and exhibits, visit lpzoo.org.