I’d heard goats could climb trees but often that claim was disputed. Some say the goats are lifted into trees so their owner can make money off tourists by charging them for the photo-ops. I didn’t know what to believe until I saw it with my own eyes.
Our group was traveling from the anti-Atlas mountains to the coastal city of Essaouira. The drive is mostly through desert, but there are interspersed irrigated farms, including argan groves. The argan tree is native to Morocco, where it is known as the “tree of life”. The tree is very popular for its oil-rich nut, which is a food source, and which is said to have many healthful benefits. The trees also provide wood and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Goats seem to have an appetite for argan trees, enjoying their leaves and nuts. We stopped when we saw them and spent some time studying the herd. They’d hop onto lower branches, then make their way up the tree as they grazed. Some trees had a half dozen goats in them.
It was a memorable travel experience!
