Izucliff

These goats live on a farm in Nigeria. They get lots of hay and other things to eat, but they truly love fresh, green grass. Farming in Nigeria is a very tough occupation and their climate is a dry one. Dense populations of people and homes mean that prime farmland is scarce. Goats like these don't often see green vegetation growing where they live. This farm family treks a long way over roads and hills to gather grass and leaves that they bring back to the farm for their animals. The owner of the farm is a secondary school teacher who has studied agricultural sciences. This knowledge, along with a love for animals, has inspired him to keep some domestic creatures and run a small farm. Of course, life in general is very tough in Nigeria, and maintaining a farm is important for providing food for family. Employment opportunities in Nigeria are hard to find and wages are much lower than the wages in North America. In a part of the world with a harsh climate and harsh conditions, keeping the animals on a farm healthy can be crucial to survival. Hiking many miles to carry food for the animals back to the farm is a way of life for many. These goats clearly appreciate the extra effort as they are fed their treats by one of the older sons in his family as he visits the farm. These are African Dwarf goats. They have a genetic abnormality called achondroplasia. This condition causes interference with proteins and their role in growth and bone development. As a farm breed, they are advantageous in Nigeria due to their increased resistance to certain parasites and infections. They also breed at a younger age than many other breeds, and they have more kids than other breeds, making them ideal for meat and milk production in Nigeria.

Everybody who has children or grandchildren will likely remember the thrill of their first adorably clumsy attempts at walking. It's one of life's biggest moments and one that is talked about for years afterwards. As they grow, children love to hear about their first steps as well, wondering how old they were and how long it took to master this important skill. And for most of us, this is really when independence began to take shape. When we were able to get to our feet and move more quickly than we ever had, it was more than just steps across the room, or across the yard; it was the first steps toward freedom. This baby is too cute for words. Here, her family watches in amazement as she learns to take her first steps. Excel is 11 months old and she has just found her balance to walk for the first time in her life. She and her family live in Nigeria and they are understandably proud of Excel. Most parents remember many other big milestones in their children's lives, but few are as memorable as the first words and the first steps. This pride and this joy are universal. No matter where you are from, these are the days that are never forgotten. Excel has picked a beautiful and sunny day to try out her legs. One month before her first birthday, it seemed like it might be a bit early, but Excel has enough determination that she won't let a few falls discourage her. Her mother and her uncles cheered Excel on as she staggered and walked, getting better by the minute. The look of happiness on her face is heart warming as she becomes fully mobile for the first time. But now, Excel's family will find that life has suddenly gotten busier for them as they struggle to keep up with her and keep her out of mischief.