Goat Flow yoga provides therapy at UW-Green Bay campuses | Spectrum News 1
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Therapy animals, like dogs, cats and horses, can help improve the overall well-being of students and staff in education settings.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is helping those on its campuses relax with unique four-legged support.
It was downward-facing goat at UW-Green Bay’s Phoenix Park as students and staff took in some sun and baby goats.
“It’s such a nice day out, and these baby goats are amazing. They’re like little puppies, and they’re so cute,” said Hannah, a freshman at UW-Green Bay.
Michelle Gauger, executive director of the university’s wellness program, said Goat Flow yoga is part of the wellness program.
“Goat Flow is basically some gentle stretching, and the baby goats will be walking around, climbing on the people doing it. It tends to dissolve more into laughter and just a good time for the students,” Gauger said.
Buckets of the week-old baby goats are bussed in from the Kid Farm in Chilton.
Gauger said these goats are not only adorable, but they also provide emotional support on campus.
“A lot of people are under a lot of stress. We’ve seen higher levels of anxiety for students, especially since coming out of the pandemic. So, this event has always been well-received,” Gauger said.
Brianna, a junior at UW-Green Bay, said college is stressful and these baby goats help ease the pressure of her studies.
“It feels good getting out of the library today and doing this goat yoga. It’s amazing,” she said.
Hannah said in her overly connected life, it’s relaxing to be offline for a few hours.
“I feel nice and calm now and like all my worries have gone away. They’re so cute,” Hannah said.
But some couldn’t resist picking up their phones to take pictures. The goats add a fun therapeutic element to yoga while helping students and staff bond with Mother Nature.
Gauger said these baby goats also help with the most important connection — the human connection.
“The students and staff are conversing with other students and with the baby goats,” Gauger said.
Goat Flow yoga is available at three of UW-Green Bay’s four campuses: Green Bay, Sheboygan and Manitowoc.
Source: Goat Flow yoga provides therapy at UW-Green Bay campuses | Spectrum News 1
