Goats Are Returning To Riverside Park This Summer: What To Know 

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — One of the Upper West Side's beloved neighborhood summer traditions, the Riverside Park goats, will return to the community in July, this time in a new location.

Joining the Riverside Park Conservancy for their fifth summer, the goats are being assigned a new job site in Riverside Park at West 143rd Street, north of their previous location on 120th Street, where they will munch on poison ivy and other invasive plants.

“The goats’ work at their previous location has been incredibly productive, and we’re thrilled to be able to replicate their success in another weed-filled area of the park,” said Merritt Birnbaum, President and CEO of Riverside Park Conservancy. “They truly have become Riverside Park Conservancy’s mascots, and we’re excited to introduce them to a new neighborhood – and a new all-you-can-eat buffet.”

The welcoming ceremony, aptly named "Goatham festival and ribbon-chewing" by the Riverside Park Conservancy, will take place on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn north of Ten Mile River Playground at 151st Street.

The ceremony is free to attend and will feature light refreshments, local vendors, live music, new Goatham merchandise and educational activities for all ages.

"The Conservancy is thrilled for the goats to bring their big appetites further uptown," a Conservancy spokesperson said.

This summer, seven goats will be making the journey from Green Goats in Rhinebeck to the big city, including two returning goats, Chico and Mallomar.

Goat fans may recognize Chico and Mallomar, both of whom were part of the Goatham Class of 2023. Last year, the public crowned Mallomar the G.O.A.T., and once again this year, New Yorkers will be able to vote for the Class of 2024.

“Welcome back, Chico and Mallomar. Riverside Park Conservancy is a leader when it comes to compost in New York City,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “The program to convert a massive amount of leaves and clippings into nutrient-rich compost, all without leaving the park, should be a citywide initiative.”

With the success of the goats' work at the 120th Street location, the Riverside Park Conservancy has since announced plans to install native understory and large trees to fill in gaps, thereby protecting the existing mature tree canopy.

"As we combat an ever-present climate crisis, we must continue investing in green initiatives and educational opportunities," said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. "The Riverside Park Conservancy serves as a great example, successfully implementing creative educational strategies and sustainable maintenance of our beloved green spaces."

Goat fans are also encouraged to follow Riverside Park Conservancy on social media for updates throughout the summer.