PVAS in the News: Goat Yoga

 

You’ve goat to be kidding? Mt Helena goat yoga classes sell out within hours. September 7th, 2017. The Hills Gazette. Written by Lynn Grierson.

YOGA with goats classes in Mt Helena sold out within hours of being posted on the Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary’s social media pages.

Mark Hayman, who runs Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary with partner Chris Rafferty, said the popularity of the fundraising event exceeded all expectation.

“The first three sessions sold out within hours of posting,” he said.

“We posted more dates in November and they also sold out.

“We have two animal-loving yoga instructors donating their services to the events, Frieda Orr and Dimity Weihr,” he said.

The pair hope to offer more classes in the summer months.

“Most of our goats and lambs are hand raised, or at least well handled, gentle and affectionate,” he said.

“If any do get a bit too exuberant, sanctuary volunteers will be available to divert their attentions and take them to the naughty corner for a time out.”

Mr Hayman said goat yoga and mediation combine physical and mental health benefits with the playfulness of goats.

More than 150 people attended the charity’s high tea in August to raise $5000 for a new animal crush and yards.

“This vital piece of infrastructure will assist us and our vets to safely handle and treat some of our larger residents right here at the sanctuary,” he said.