So majestic in fact, that everyone wants a piece of it. The poor animal has had no peace since it was built for the first time in 1966: Of 58 goats, only 16 have made it intact to Christmas day. Some were beaten with clubs, shot with flaming arrows or run over; others were eaten by birds and one was targeted by two mysterious men who planned to kidnap it with a helicopter — they even tried to bribe Mats the security guard a whopping €4,300 (50,000 kronor) to do it. Thankfully, Nordic security guards have too much integrity — and better salaries — to be tempted by 50,000 kronor.
Seeing its history, the Gävle goat should be considered an endangered ornament species, and deserves protection. But whether enough has been done to allow this year’s specimen to make it to Dec. 25 remains to be seen.
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Last week we gave you this photo:
Thanks for all the entries. Here’s the best from our postbag — there’s no prize except for the gift of laughter, which I think we can all agree is far more valuable than cash or booze.
“Still holding a candle for you, Emmanuel.” by Tom Morgan.
