Baby goats in party hats are becoming a familiar sight on campus as the Goat Grams experience brings surprise visits, stress relief and photo opportunities to the Chico community.
The Goat Grams, offered through the Two by Two Ranch and Petting Zoo, brings small groups of goats to campus for students to hug and cuddle, offering a surprise for birthdays, anniversaries, or a break from academic stress.
“I got the goat gram for my 19th birthday,” said freshman Avery Pardini. “A visit from the goats truly made my day special.”
The program allows students, organizations and the Chico community to schedule visits. Goats interact and pose for photos, supplying plenty of “goat love.” The events have become increasingly popular, especially on Valentine’s Day.
“This is my daughter’s last year and I’ve been trying to do this for several years. It finally happened and it was the best! Highly recommend!” said parent Sheryl Andersen on an unofficial Chico State Facebook Parents page.
The visits last 30 minutes and cost between $50 to $100 in the Chico area, and can take place outdoors on campus or at nearby locations. University housing policies prohibit goats in the dorms so any cuddling takes place outside in grassy areas.
Two by Two Ranch also offers a “Mini Zoo” in which they bring rabbits, guinea pigs, “fancy” chickens and baby goats to parties and other events for $300 an hour.
“Every day is a good day to snuggle a baby goat,” said owner Tina Cardin.
Cardin has been running the Two by Two Petting Zoo for 30 years. She started the Goat Grams program during COVID because people were “starving for things to do.”
The program is designed for everyone, but most business comes from students. The goats come to campus often for events like Voting Day. The goats last came to campus on Earth Day, April 22.
In addition to the visits, the business offers optional add-ons, including toy goats crafted in Nepal, with proceeds supporting the Worldwide Goat Project Nepal.
As the program continues to gain attention, Goat Grams are becoming a more common sight in Chico, offering the community a brief but memorable experience outside of their usual routines.
Grace Payne can be reached at [email protected]
