The video of this strange animal was posted online, and people thought it couldn't be
real.
It gained the nickname "goat monster" because of its unusual appearance.
But the truth behind it is just as weird as the creature itself
In a YouTube video shared on March 20th, 2018, an individual declared the creature to be
the world's ugliest animal.
And people were so disgusted by it that the clip quickly went viral.
It racked up over 350,000 views within three weeks of its release.
People are left in awe by videos like the one below that depict animals doing all sorts
of new and cherished actions (like, for example, standing up on their hind legs).
It also makes an occasional noise while studying its surroundings.
The creature's body resembles a goat, but its face is what makes it look so unusual.
Although it's long neck and legs make it stand higher than your average goat.
It has a short snout, a face that juts out, and features that can be hard to distinguish.
When the clip was released online, people didn’t hesitate to label the creature ―ugly
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Now, back to the story.
“That is…. disturbing one,” YouTube user commented on the animal.
Another person described- “the male creature as a monster.”
One even went so far as to brand it, “The devil itself.”
However, others seemed impressed and intrigued by the strange entity.
A few commenters pointed out that- the creature wouldn't be out of place in a Star Wars movie,
YouTube user Joseph added, “I think he looks awesome right out of a science fiction book.”
And though they animal’s appearance divided people online, in the middle east it is in
fact considered very beautiful.
The mysterious creature has now been identified as a Damascus goat from Egypt.
The breed originates from Cyprus, Syria, and Lebanon, and it is not only highly admired
and desirable that can be sold for large sums of money.
And not just for farming purposes, Damascus goats are also kept as exotic pets.
The breed was described by Newsweek as the bulldog of goats.
It boasts a number of nicknames, including “the Aleppo, Halep, Baladi, Damascene, Shami
or Chami,” according to the magazine.
Damascus goats are esteemed for their high-quality milk and meat.
There hides are also coveted for leather production.
A Doe or a female goat can produce 11 pounds of milk each day.
And according to goatfarming.in lactation can last over 200 days.
One reason their milk is in such high demand is because it's easily digested, but perhaps
the biggest draw of the breed is a doe’s ability to give birth to as many as four kids
at once.
Interestingly, a young Damascus goat looks noticeably different than an adult.
Its face has the appearance of a regular goat so that it can feed from its mother without
difficulty.
But what is most striking about the kids is their distinctive ears.
Baby Damascus, goats possess remarkably long ears that seem to curl towards the ground.
These are often chopped into short stubs for easier upkeep as seen on the animal in the
viral video.
Looking at a fully grown Damascus goat next to a kid it's hard to believe they are the
same breed.
Damascus goats are also popular for crossbreeding.
People in possession of a Shami will often mate it with other goats which may account
for the animal in the video.
That way it's most coveted qualities, including admirable meat and milk production are transferred
to less sought-after breeds.
Indeed, Damascus goats are so heavily hybridized that they have helped to establish other breeds
of goat.
As a result, these include Anglo Nubian and Indian goat.
And because their traits are so coveted animals don't come cheap.
According to world news Australia, Shami goats considered to be particularly attractive,
can sell for 30,000 Saudi reels 8,000$ or more in Saudi Arabia.
In 2008, many animals were displayed at radius Mazi and Almaz festival, which translates
to beautiful traits of goats.
The finest specimens were reportedly worth 250,000 Saudi reels or 67,000$.
Competing Damascus goats are carefully evaluated by a panel of experts.
They are judged on all aspects of their bodies, but the face is the most crucial attribute.
World News Australia reported how the owner of the 2008 festival’s winning goat had
sold the animal as a kid.
He repurchased his beloved beast at auction and vowed, never to part with it again.
“We bought it back to our ownership, thank God!”
Mohammed-Al- Hawasi told world news Australia.
He added now, even if it were worth half a million, we won't sell it.
But although these owners have no plans to part with their goat again, the rearing and
trading of farm animals remains a prominent Saudi tradition.
For many people who viewed the viral footage that a Damscus goat is unlike anything they
had seen before, but the breed has actually been around for hundreds of years.
It can even be found in Arabic stories and mythology as well as religion.
Shami goats originate from the middle east.
But during the 19th century, the animals were transported to Cyprus by the British.
It was there that they were mated and reared on a large scale.
The fact that they can thrive in a wide variety of climates has only added to their appeal
over the years.
Even though Damascan goats date back centuries in breeding has been increasingly harnessed
in order to pass on genes from the most strange looking animals.
Extreme breeding is a growing trend, but experts have warned that it can cause medical problems
for goats.
It seems the goat monster in the video was one example of this, as its features were
more dramatic than others of its breed.
The clip first appeared in a Facebook group for goat trading in Egypt, suggesting the
goat’s owners might be willing to part with it for a price.
Taking into account the reputation of these unusual creatures and the number of times
the viral video has been viewed.
It seems that the popularity of Damascus goats is only going to increase.
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