Goats! They’re everywhere! Hide your lawns, hide your flower bed because goats are coming for them all. You might think this is a joke, but a peaceful neighborhood in Boise, Idaho, was ‘invaded’ by more than 100 of these horned animals and they tore up all the vegetation they could set their rectangular pupils on.
Political correspondent Joe Parris was live on the scene to bring the US and the entire world up-to-date coverage about this goatastrophe. Parris is a real testament to good, wholesome journalism: he went with the story, got immersed, and even tried to get an interview from one of the goats!
Bored Panda reached out to Parris and spoke to him about what happened in Idaho, what everyone thought of his report, as well as what advice he has for reporters who are just starting out.
“It was challenging to respond alone so quickly, we got a random call that some goats were loose, but had no idea what was really going on,” Parris told Bored Panda. “In terms of running around, it was hard to cover everything happening so quickly. But, neighbors were so helpful and even offered to help me get video. Of course, they all shared their fun stories which was awesome.” Scroll down for the full interview.
More info: WeRentGoats.com | Facebook (We Rent Goats) | Twitter (Joe Parris)
Reporter Joe Parris documented how more than 100 goats ‘invaded’ a peaceful neighborhood in Boise, Idaho
Image credits: ktvbjoe
In August of 2018, 118 goats escaped their enclosure near the neighborhood pond when some of the animals stood on their back feet and leaned against wooden boards to reach some tall and tasty weeds.
The boards broke, the goats got out, the neighborhood and the goat rental company (We Rent Goats—no, really!) that supplied the animals had their 15 minutes of fame. Goats are known for their love of weeds (and other plants which cows and sheep think are yucky), so they’re wonderful as organic lawnmowers.
Parris said that his friends, family, and co-workers “loved the story.”
“It was literally one of the biggest stories of the day around the country. It was a lot of fun for everyone. Friends across the country sent me news clips and articles with my video or interview in it. Really great day!”
The animals were from a goat rental company and escaped their enclosure
Image credits: KTVBJoe
Image credits: KTVBJoe
“Career-wise, it was a nice little bump on social media for awhile, lots of new followers, but in the end it really didn’t make a lasting impact,” the reporter revealed.
Image credits: KTVBJoe
Image credits: KTVBJoe
“Now, anytime a group of animals get loose, we get a call. We have yet to find the same magic as the goats. The goat day was one of the most wholesome stories I’ve ever told. It was so special because for an hour everyone forgot about politics and war and arguing online. Everyone was together on the same page enjoying a funny little story that blew up.”
Image credits: KTVBJoe
“To me, it proves there are a lot of things we can come together on, even if it’s as simple as goats escaping and destroying yards in a Boise neighborhood.”
Bored Panda was also interested in hearing what Parris would tell reporters who are just starting out and might be a bit unsure. “My advice to young reporters would be, just go for it. It will not always be easy, and frankly, some days will be tough. But, journalism is important, holding people accountable is important. To me, that is a great responsibility. It’s a lot of fun too!”
The owner of We Rent Goats did not expect what happened
“I definitely did not think that goats, certainly not my goats, would ever be the talk of the internet,” Matt Gabica, who runs We Rent Goats with his wife Kim, told The Atlantic. “I don’t really do the whole social media thing, plus I was pretty busy today making sure all the goats were safe and sound and fielding phone calls from all over the country, so I honestly don’t know what all is happening on the internet. But I’m getting a lot of messages from people saying our goats went viral. Whatever that means.”
“Once they escaped, they began wandering through the neighborhood that the pond is in the middle of, and they were found by the community of folks that live in that neighborhood,” Matt explained, also revealing that the goats were then rounded up and taken to their next job. “Where the fence is much stronger,” he joked.
The goat ‘invasion’ caught many a person’s eye
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I live in Nampa, Idaho approx 20 miles from Boise. These goats were fabulous although they did do quite a bit of damage to the homeowners yard. It was crazy turning on the evening news to see 100 goats in town!
I live in Nampa, Idaho approx 20 miles from Boise. These goats were fabulous although they did do quite a bit of damage to the homeowners yard. It was crazy turning on the evening news to see 100 goats in town!
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