Oreo the goat leaves Sandton SPCA for his forever home
From attempting to eat his admission papers to demanding fresh fruit over pellets, the young rescue animal became a firm favourite among staff and volunteers.
A tiny black-and-white goat who arrived at the Sandton SPCA as a vulnerable youngster has left for his forever home after becoming one of the shelter’s most treasured personalities.
According to Sandton SPCA fundraising and marketing manager Marlize ten Krooden, Oreo was a little uncertain of his surroundings when he arrived on May 7, but it did not take long for his true personality to shine through.
Read more: Donations help Sandton SPCA continue its mission of caring for animals
“Before long, Oreo was investigating everything around him. Clothing, shoelaces, leaves, buckets and even paperwork became fair game,” said Ten Krooden.
“His greatest achievement may have been attempting to eat his own admission papers, a moment staff still laugh about today.”
Ten Krooden said it also did not take long for Oreo to form a special bond with one staff member, who became his unofficial foster mother.
Their lunchtime routine involved walks around the SPCA grounds, playing in the grass and helping him stretch up to reach leaves hanging from trees. Oreo also had rather particular tastes when it came to food. While pellets remained on the menu, fresh fruit and vegetables were always his first choice.
“He much preferred carrots, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, apples, bananas and strawberries,” said Ten Krooden. “Citrus, however, was firmly rejected. Every Saturday volunteers would arrive with his much-anticipated weekly order.”
Also read: Sandton SPCA charity shop changes animal’s lives, one donation at a time
Oreo’s good looks also earned him some special attention, including a pampering session courtesy of Hot Dogs Mobile Dog Grooming Salon, where he was washed with hypoallergenic shampoo. His charm did not go unnoticed, and he was later selected as one of the animal models for the Sandton SPCA’s 2027 calendar, taking part in a professional photoshoot.
“Oreo also spent so much time around the Sandton SPCA’s dogs that he slowly started behaving like one. He came running when called, eagerly sought out attention from staff and visitors, and developed a habit of wagging his tail whenever he was excited,” said Ten Krooden.
As the months passed, he found companionship in Clover, a Brahman cow who seemed to adopt him as her own.
The pair were often seen together despite the dramatic difference in size. Later, another goat named Milo joined them, and Oreo quickly took on the role of mentor, showing his new friend how things worked around the shelter.
Also read: Paws on the red carpet as Sandton SPCA launches 2027 calendar
After five months in the care of the Sandton SPCA, Oreo left the animal welfare organisation earlier this month for his forever home, where he would be welcomed by a new family and a collection of fellow farm animals, including goats and pigs.
“For the staff and volunteers who watched him grow from a tiny kid into a confident young goat, saying goodbye was bittersweet. Yet everyone knew it was exactly the ending he deserved,” Ten Krooden said.
“Oreo arrived as a vulnerable youngster in need of care. He left as a much-loved goat who had captured hearts, made friends wherever he went, and reminded everyone that even the smallest animals can leave the biggest footprints behind.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
