The Royal Regiment of Wales has announced the death of Shenkin the goat - their much loved mascot.

Regiment's goat mascot has died

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity.

The Royal Regiment of Wales has announced the death of Shenkin the goat - their much loved mascot.

He died of old age at the Maindy barracks in Cardiff. He had been the regiment's mascot for 12 years.

Shenkin's illustrious career included mixing with state dignitaries, celebrities including Catherine Zeta Jones and travelling the world.

His work led to him being introduced to the Prince of Wales, the Queen and the Japanese Emperor.

Shenkin - who was actually Shenkin the second - first began service aged 18 months. He replaced the previous regimental goat, also called Shenkin, in September 1997, who had died on the same day as Princess Diana.

Goat Major Sergeant David Joseph said that the soldiers had a great affection for Shenkin who had a busy diary of engagements.

"We did school visits and charity events for disabled children," he said.

"His temperament was very good. He hardly ever played up. He was good with children who enjoyed stroking him."


Page last updated at 15:41 GMT, Thursday, 6 August 2009 16:41 UK
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Regiment's goat mascot has died
Shenkin, the goat
Shenkin mingled with royalty and celebrities

The Royal Regiment of Wales has announced the death of Shenkin the goat - their much loved mascot.

He died of old age at the Maindy barracks in Cardiff. He had been the regiment's mascot for 12 years.

Shenkin's illustrious career included mixing with state dignitaries, celebrities including Catherine Zeta Jones and travelling the world.

Most of this information comes straight from the Regiment's goat mascot pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

His work led to him being introduced to the Prince of Wales, the Queen and the Japanese Emperor.

Shenkin - who was actually Shenkin the second - first began service aged 18 months. He replaced the previous regimental goat, also called Shenkin, in September 1997, who had died on the same day as Princess Diana.

Goat Major Sergeant David Joseph said that the soldiers had a great affection for Shenkin who had a busy diary of engagements.

"We did school visits and charity events for disabled children," he said.

"His temperament was very good. He hardly ever played up. He was good with children who enjoyed stroking him."

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Shenkin II the mascot of Royal Regiment of Wales has died

Shenkin II the mascot of Royal Regiment of Wales has died

The Queen and Prince Charles were known to make an effort to go and see how he was when they attended parades.

During his lengthy career, Shenkin also met Catherine Zeta Jones, Ian Botham and Ozzy Osborne.

He had appeared on Blue Peter and had been to 10 Downing Street where he was tethered in the rear garden. He also visited Prince Charles Gloucestershire home, Highgrove.

Goat Major Sergeant Joseph - who has been in his post for three decades - has raised and trained four goats.

"He was just like a pet although he was a working animal. He's been with me virtually the whole time," he said.

The regiment will select a replacement goat from the Queen's own herd of Royal Windsor Whites, on the Great Orme in north Wales on September 8.

He will then be trained and introduced into the regiment. In the meantime, Taffy, the regimental goat of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Welsh, will fill in the role.


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