CRA Farms Out for Goats To Clear Angels Knoll
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Like foodies to a catering truck, 100 goats took to upper and lower Angels Knoll on Tuesday to graze in a misty Downtown morning.
The herd, owned by Environmental Land Management of San Diego, were selected after a bidding process. The competitive process adds to the several thousands of dollars that the Community Redevelopment Agency says it is saving by using the animals instead of a crew with gasoline-powered weed whackers.
The job may also be done in record time if the weather stays cool. Staying away from hot days means less breaks for the four-legged workforce.
Up to 40 of the 100 in the herd are baby goats, making this feeding a family affair. They will take to the hill this week during the day, and be herded into a nearby pen at night.
It's the third time the agency has turned to the goats to mow the steep Angels Knoll hillside. The first, back in September of 2008 turned out to be quite the hit with office workers taken by the rural sight in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. That, combined with the cost and environmental savings, should ensure that the goats are a regular presence in Downtown.
Jasmijn on July 07, 2010, at 10:14AM – #1
We were there yesterday, and it was a lot of fun to watch the passersby, if not the goats themselves. Parents brought children, who mostly stood wide-eyed and silent at the fence looking eye-to-eye with a chomping goat. Dogs brought for their usual walk suddenly stood stock-still as they noticed what was different about the sights and smells (and their people kept good control of them). Some of the men in tattered clothing at the bottom of the hill looked confused, as though wondering whether everyone else saw goats on the hill, too. Young adults got all giggly at the sight and then distressed when a kid lost track of its mother and started bleating desperately.
Goats on a hill, below the skyscrapers! I love downtown. Come on, everyone: ride Angels Flight down the hill past them for a quarter and a great view, then get a bite in Grand Central Market before riding the subway back again. Nowhere else!
Bert Green (@bgfa) on July 07, 2010, at 11:13AM – #2
I took my young niece there yesterday and it was a lot of fun to watch and interact with the goats. I didn't realize there would be so many of them. Don't miss this, it's the best thing downtown right now.
Nancy Richardson (@nanorich) on July 07, 2010, at 01:18PM – #3
Just was there! Wow that's a lot of goats!
ass face (@theassface) on July 07, 2010, at 07:53PM – #4
It's an interesting juxtaposition. Hardworking goats helping the the community against the worthless drunken bums gathered on the bench's below. Downtown LA never disappoints.
Nancy Richardson (@nanorich) on July 07, 2010, at 09:48PM – #5
Those hard working goats are eating.
Guest on July 08, 2010, at 08:23AM – #6
I saw them yesterday and at first thought I was hallucinating! I think the goats on Angels Knoll is a fantastic idea! Love it!
Guest on July 10, 2010, at 05:25PM – #7
saw them wednesday night, went to take some pictures today and unfortunately the goats are gone. they obviously took care of business in record time.