at the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary
By VALERIE MACON
Imagine a slice of rural tranquility nestled between the bustling Judd Parkway and Sunset Lake Road in Fuquay-Varina. Here, on a breathtaking 16-acre farm steeped in history — the Smith Farm, established in the early 1940s by William E. Smith and his wife — a heartwarming transformation has taken place. Now known as the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary, this idyllic spot is currently home to thirty-five goats, each with a unique story.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jesi Wilde, a retired Air Force officer with a lifelong passion for helping animals and the founder and president of this remarkable goat rescue and sanctuary. Her dedication is palpable; she knows each resident goat intimately from their names and ages to their birthdays and quirky personalities. During my visit, she recounted the history and plans for the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary.
For decades, Mr. Smith raised hogs, transitioning to goats in the early 1990s, and he maintained a haven for them until his passing. Over the years, portions of the original property were sold, some of which ultimately became the Smith Farm neighborhood. A significant tract, however, remains and is now stewarded by the Smiths’ daughter, Robbie Lane.
Robbie’s childhood friend, Jason Thomas, whose family farmed in nearby Apex, has deep ties to the property. Jason grew up alongside Robbie and, after her parents passed away, she entrusted him with managing the land and caring for the animals of Smith Farm. And he has done so for the past 20 years. He eventually moved into the main house on the property and has lived there for about 15 years. Adding another layer to the story, Jason had worked for William Smith in his youth, fostering a deep understanding of the family’s love for the land and its animals. When Jason Thomas took over management of the property, only goats remained from the animals Mr. Smith had kept.
Mr. Smith had envisioned his property not just as a farm, but as a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Jason, sharing Mr. Smith’s dream, worked with Jesi to establish a board of directors and move toward creating that sanctuary. Robbie Lane and the board are committed to preserving the heart of the farm and supporting its transformation into a place where animals can be rescued, and the community can come to connect with nature.
The Sanctuary became an official 501c3 nonprofit in December 2024. The newly formed board is currently focusing on the existing goat herd with hopes of expanding its rescue efforts to other animals as they secure funding and resources, bringing Mr. Smith’s dream to life.
The board has a mission to not only rescue goats, but also to preserve and celebrate Fuquay-Varina’s farming culture and history. They are focusing on preparing the sanctuary to open to the public. This opening, a major goal for May 2025, will allow the community to come in and enjoy the goats, experience a piece of Fuquay-Varina’s past, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The sanctuary also plans to offer classes, workshops, and events.
Some of the small goats have already been out in the community spreading joy. These socialized goats love interacting with people, cuddling on laps, and providing comfort. They have brought smiles to residents at memory care facilities in Durham and Chapel Hill. These adorable, people-friendly goats could also be hired for birthday parties or other special events and visits.
The sanctuary currently houses and cares for thirty-five goats, including four pregnant goats, and Larry, a sick goat, on the day I visited. As I walked the farm with Jesi, there was a lot of fence building going on. There was an area being built with three enclosures with a little goat house in each where sick goats could be isolated. Jesi predicted Larry would be in one of those enclosures by the next day. There are also enclosures for goats about to give birth.
As we entered the large, newly fenced area, a crowd of goats gathered around in greeting and anticipation of a treat from the bucket of apple slices and oats Jesi carried. Jesi introduced each goat by name, telling little tales about each: “These are the munchkin girls, the smaller ones. Grandma Miley, she’s 15 years old, hangs out with the munchkins because they’re not wild. The big girls over there in the other field will beat her up. Grandma hangs with the little ones because she’s basically their leader.”
I was introduced to Squirt, Amanda, Sweetpea (who did a live nativity scene with Jesi at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary), Melody (who sings at the top of her lungs all the time), Smores (because she looks like a s’more treat), Billy Oreo (to me, looked like an Oreo cookie), and Mishka (the 18-day-old diva). Daphine, Blanche, and Courtney are all pregnant and about to give birth any day. Jesi notes that goats are notorious for giving birth on the worst weather day of the year; if an ice storm comes, that is when they’re going to give birth.
I met Jonny, Vinny, Kate and Fiona, (who each have a lot of growing to do). Jesi relates that Sweetpea’s mother died in childbirth, and that she was bottle-fed as an orphaned newborn. Now, Sweetpea is inseparable from Jesi, following her around like a puppy. Jesi went on to recite each goat’s birthday and, as we exited the enclosure, Sweetpea apparently decided my paper was a tasty treat and bit off a sizable nibble.
Jesi wants the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary to be a place the community can enjoy. She has been gathering ideas from people who would be interested in teaching classes. There is a form on their website where people who are willing to teach can offer an idea for a workshop. Some workshop ideas include drumming (think djembes), art (how to paint a goat?), and a goat’s milk soap making class. Jesi’s yoga instructor, Jill Eagan, has offered to teach “goat yoga” classes regularly. The board’s executive officer, Moreen Watson, a retired Air Force photographer, was inspired to teach a class on “how to take a better selfie” after looking at men’s dating profiles. She hopes a lot of guys will sign up because she says they need the help!
Classes will be offered starting in May; you can sign up under “Events” on their website. Many of the classes will be taught out in the main field among the goats. But there is a cabin on the property where a farmhand used to live, and Jesi envisions classes could be held there as well. Other plans include movie nights with the goats — picture children’s movies with a few goats wandering among the audience — and “Bingo at the Farm.” If you are interested in offering a class or workshop, you can fill out the “Offer A Workshop” form on their website.
Last September, the Sanctuary partnered with The Fainting Goat in a fundraiser, “Goat Fest,” which featured The Kudzu Ramblers and a goat kissing booth, among other fun activities, during which they brought their goats to work the crowd. In December, they had another fundraiser, “Meet Santa and his Reingoats,” also at The Fainting Goat. Thanks to those two fundraisers, the sanctuary has been able to build some of the much-needed fencing.
Jesi envisions a thriving future for the farm, but there are still several key needs. For example, a reliable tractor, more secure sheds, and improvements to accommodate cars entering and exiting the farm. To make these dreams a reality, she is seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to champion their cause. This individual would ideally have experience in grant writing or cultivating relationships with businesses willing to donate or sponsor specific projects. Imagine a company’s name proudly displayed on a newly-constructed shed or a sturdy, safe fence enclosure — a tangible symbol of their commitment to the sanctuary’s success.
To check out upcoming happenings at the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary or to sponsor a goat, donate, volunteer, offer to teach a class or workshop, provide skilled help with repairs and projects, to RSVP for events, or to meet the herd, visit the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary website at www.SmithFarmGoatSanctuary.org. If you know of a goat that needs to be rescued call 919-346-4888 or email SmithFarmGoatSanctuary@gmail.com. The Sanctuary is located at 7221 Sunset Lake Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526.
