While traveling from Marrakech to Essaouira, Morocco, we encountered an unusual sight to behold. Goats climbing trees. Not just one goat in one tree. Lots of goats in several trees. These particular goats were likely goaded into the trees by their shepherds for the benefit of passing tourists. But this is a real thing, and was once an essential part of the production of argon oil.
We were about an hour or two out of Marrakech when we came across the goats. Goats are unable to digest the nut of argon tree, so they eat the fruit when it becomes ripe, allowing the nut to pass through their digest tract. The nut softens in the process. In times past, this practice was encouraged to make it easier to process the argon oil. However, modern demand requires modern solutions to the problem. These days, it appears the goats serve a greater purpose creating photo ops for passing tourists. Shortly after taking these photos, we stopped at an Argon Cooperative where we learned how local women create products from cooking oil to cosmetics with the Argon nut. More about that in a later post.
Once the first goat climbs a tree, the rest of the flock will follow suit. They are used to climbing precariously into the branches, where they nibble to their hearts content. The shepherd will usually be nearby, waiting for tourists to take photos so he can extract a small fee. There is no requirement to pay, but it is rude not to. I gave the shepherd twenty dirham, which is about two US dollars and it seemed to be enough. For photos of goats climbing a tree, I think two dollars is a fair price.
A young girl was with the shepherd. She had a baby goat she was carrying around. It was another photo op. She didn't look very happy to be pressed into the tourist business, so I did not attempt to take any photos of her or the baby goat.
I have been told that goats climb trees in Texas, as well. I googled it and didn't come up with any results, but there is no reason to doubt it. Goats are skilled climbers. If Moroccan goats can do it, I would imagine Texas goats can as well. Whatever the case, I traveled halfway around the world to see a herd of goats climb a tree. It was fun. It was unique. And it was virtually free...just make sure to tip the shepherd. Don't be that guy. If you ever get to Morocco and find yourself near the cost where the Argon trees grow, keep your eyes pealed. Because it is not unlikely that you will come across the goat trees!
All photos are my own. The video is a random youtube video about the goats.