Goatham

Thanks for an amazing Goatham and congratulations to second-time champ, Mallomar!

Riverside Park’s goats are baaaaaack and hungrier than ever! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Goatham 2026: The Great Goat Graze-Off, where three tenacious, invasive plant-eating goats went hoof-to-hoof in New York City’s most anticipated competitive eating event.

Hosted by George Shea of Major League Eating, best known for hosting Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the one-of-a-kind competition brought all the excitement of a championship eating contest to Riverside Park. Congratulations to Mallomar, who defended his title as two-time Graze-Off champion, and a big thank you to Romeo, Big Buddy, and all of our goat supporters who helped make this year’s event a success!

Stay tuned as the three goats continue their important work in Riverside Park at 137th Street, helping clear invasive plants and support the health of our natural areas.

Meet The Herd

Romeo

Returning to Riverside Park for his fourth stint, Romeo is your forever best friend. He wants your hugs and a snuggle at night. He knows he can’t solve all the world’s troubles, but he’ll be by your side through it all.

Mallomar

Mallomar, a staple in the Riverside Park herd year after year, is unwavering in his loyalty and courage. He might not be the loudest of the bunch, but his calm, steadfast nature provides security for those surrounding him who know he will always have their back. He’s returning to the Graze Off to defend his champion title.

Big Buddy

Specially selected by the volunteers at Riverside Park’s Jenny’s Garden, Big Buddy is an alpine goat who hails from Red Hook, NY. Though he might be new, he’s ready to vie for the CHOMP-ion title with his hoof-tastic grazing skills. Incredibly tall in stature and spirit, Big Buddy is convinced he may actually be part giraffe.

About Goatham

The goats’ much-anticipated return marks the seventh year of the Conservancy’s Goatham initiative, a novel, pesticide-free approach to managing invasive plant species in Riverside Park. Undaunted by steep slopes and difficult terrain, goats can access areas that present a challenge for human gardeners, clearing dense overgrowth and preparing sites for future ecological restoration and native plantings.

The three resident goats are now at a vegetation-covered slope at West 137th Street, where they will spend 10 weeks feasting on invasive species such as poison ivy, mugwort, and porcelain berry. Over the years, the goats have helped restore slopes throughout the Park, including at West 120th Street and West 143rd Street, supporting broader efforts to improve the health and resilience of Riverside Park’s natural areas.

Their work at West 137th Street continues the Conservancy’s investment in the Park’s northern sections through the North Park Initiative, which brings increased resources, maintenance, restoration, and programming to uptown Riverside Park.

Before/After at 143rd Street