Animal Spotlight: Pavarotti, a Living Legend

The typical lifespan of a male Boer goat averages about a decade, but one of them – a Sanctuary One Care Farm resident – continues to defy age with style.

Pavarotti, a resident of the 55-acre Applegate care farm since 2012, is a whopping 21 years old. He was around before iPhones, before Facebook and Twitter. Ancient history, basically.

Born Feb. 28, 2003, Pavarotti first arrived in Southern Oregon on April 12, 2012, one of 19 goats transferred from the Silver Creek Animal Sanctuary in Silverton, Oregon. As an ambassador animal, he will live his life out at the care farm and cannot be adopted. His advanced age and the increased stress that goes with it are the key reasons for the decision, Sanctuary One Executive Director Megan Flowers says.

But age hasn’t tarnished Pavarotti’s swagger. Weighing in at 200 pounds – he’s the oldest and largest goat living on the property – he goes through his days with a quiet, strong grace, according to care farm Animal Care Manager Colleen Avery.

“He’s very…majestic is what I would call him,” Avery says. “He’s like a gentle giant. He’s very quiet, laid back. He’s very stoic. He’s got big, beautiful horns and soft eyes.”

Pavarotti isn’t an official meet-and-greet selection during school field trips and public tours that visit the farm. He’s friendly, Avery says, but his substantial horns could cause accidental injury, so he’s sidelined from direct interaction out of an abundance of caution. Instead, he hangs out in the care farm pond pasture, but visitors can still pet him over the fence.

“He’s a staff favorite, for sure,” Avery says.

His gentle strength helped carry him through a health scare in September 2023 when he experienced a sudden and rapid health scare. Luckily, Sanctuary One employees and volunteers were able to nurse him back to health. The initial decline, likely stemming from a dental issue, was solved by changing his diet. Now farm officials mash and soak his food.

Fully recovered, he continues to roam the grounds, quiet grace maintained. There’s a reverence for him among the other animals, who make ample space for him when he’s passing through.

“He’s got this presence about him,” Avery says.

What other history and discoveries will Pavarotti live to see? Time will tell. But this goat has already made his mark on Sanctuary One several times over.

 

 

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Sanctuary One's mission is to provide a refuge for animals & people, in harmony with nature.

1 day ago

Sanctuary One
Come out and tour the care farm! We offer public tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 am until about noon. Tickets are $10 (children 2 and under are free). During the tour you will be able to meet the animals and see our gardens. You can make a day of it by seeing the McKee Covered Bridge, driving up to Applegate Lake, perhaps a visit to one of the wineries or lavender farms in the valley, and lunch in Ruch. Please register on our website- we look forward to seeing you at the care farm! sanctuaryone.org/visit-volunteer/sanctuary-tours/ ... See MoreSee Less
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2 days ago

Sanctuary One
Recently we had Shearie McShearie's Shearing Service come and shear the wool sheep we have at the care farm, and he did a great job. It's important to shear wool sheep to keep them comfortable and healthy, and he does this in a very stress-free way, and the sheep feel so much better afterward! We also have eight Katahdin sheep staying with us, and they are hair sheep, which means that they do not need to be sheared. Katahdin sheep are adaptable, hardy, and low-maintenance. Ideal for pasture and grass-based systems, Katahdin sheep adapt well to different environments, tolerating heat, humidity, and parasites. Katahdin sheep are docile and easy to handle, with a moderate flocking instinct. Spring is the perfect time to adopt these sweet sheep, with all the new growth. These little "natural lawnmowers" can definitely help you keep your weeds at bay! If you are interested, click this link and fill out an adoption application: sanctuaryone.org/rescue-animals/adopt-us/adoption-application/ ... See MoreSee Less
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2 days ago

Sanctuary One
May is Mental Health Awareness MonthAt Sanctuary One, we believe healing happens when people connect with nature, animals, and each other. Our care farm is more than just a peaceful place—it’s a space where individuals can experience the proven mental health benefits of being outdoors, working with their hands, and forming meaningful connections.Studies show that care farming—therapeutic experiences involving farm activities, animals, and natural settings—can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging. We see this firsthand through our programs that support students, volunteers, service learners, and visitors alike.As tour season kicks off, we invite you to come experience the power of care farming for yourself:🌿 Take a tour of the farm and meet the animals🐾 Volunteer your time in the garden or with animal care🌞 Reconnect with what matters—yourself, your community, and the earthThis Mental Health Awareness Month, let Sanctuary One be a place where wellness takes root.📅 Learn more and schedule your visit: sanctuaryone.org ... See MoreSee Less
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