Meet Rania, the 11-year-old 'goat whisperer'

Rania with the goats on her father's farm. – Bernama

KUALA NERUS: A young girl's dream to rear goats became a reality in 2020 when her father ventured into goat breeding as additional income for the family.

Wan Rania Amanda Wan Mohd Faizal, 11, has formed an extraordinary bond with 228 goats reared by her father, Wan Mohd Faizal Wan Zulkefli, 37, in Kampung Baroh Tok Jiring.

Wan Rania, more affectionately known as Rania, said her interest in goats began when she visited her aunt for a sacrificial rite when she was seven.

Drawn by the goats' cuteness, the eldest of five siblings wished she could raise the animals one day.

"I love playing with goats. They are so cute! From the beginning, I was never scared. I always feel happy when I'm near them. When I'm at school, I can't wait to go home and follow my father to the pen," she said, adding that she never misses an opportunity to visit the farm.

The girl, who aspires to become a veterinarian, even has two Nigerian Dwarf pygmy goats named Rague and Jane as companions at home.

Thanks to her interest and love for these animals and her father's guidance, Rania is now skilled in feeding and milking the goats by herself.

She also knows how to administer the appropriate medication if the animals suffer from illnesses such as stomachaches and diarrhoea.

Wan Mohd Faizal said he is proud of his daughter's ability to befriend his livestock when other children Rania's age might still be afraid of them.

Seeing her deep interest and natural affinity with the livestock, Wan Mohd Faizal began to expose Rania to the field of animal husbandry.

"I see that she understands animals. She managed well when I introduced her to goat management methods. Now she can feed them and if any of them have stomachaches or diarrhoea, she knows what treatment to give.

"It's great that she can ignore her (digital) gadgets when she's with these goats. Now she uses it for learning purposes like finding information on how to care for animals in unforeseen situations," he said.

Last year, her daughter made money via TikTok by selling 25 goats, earning a profit of up to RM2,500, said the proud father. – Bernama