By Jed Lanyon
Locals were shocked and appalled to learn that Yarra Valley Chocolaterie’s beloved goats had been stolen on Christmas.
And while Nelly, Fudgy and Vanilla are yet to be found, The Chocolaterie have welcomed two new baby goats, who were rescued and have been kindly donated.
Chocolaterie owner Leanne Neeland told the Mail, “A Facebook follower read the story about our goats that were stolen and decided to give us some goats that she had rescued.”
One of the goats, named Fudgy Junior, was evacuated with eight other baby goats and four dogs into a car following the recent fires on the South Coast of New South Wales. The goats had quite the journey to reach the Chocolaterie, enduring a nine hour drive to reach Yarra Glen.
At the time, Fudgy Junior was only three days old and refused to drink from a bottle. So he was driven back through the fire grounds to be reunited with his mum in order to be fed.
Ms Neeland said that Fudgy Junior, or FJ, was named due to his strong resemblance to their ‘old boy’ Fudgy.
“It’s a miracle that he’s survived. He’s very lovely and is always up for big cuddles,” she said.
The other baby has been named Coconut, due to his white fur. Ms Neeland said that customers will soon have the opportunity to view the new arrivals, who are currently being protected by the alpacas.
“We want them to settle in a bit before our customers meet them. But soon they can enjoy the Chocolaterie life.”
Leanne and partner Ian were saddened to find the boundary fence along the Melba Highway had been cut on 25 December, the only day of the year the Chocolaterie is closed.
Fudgy, Nelly and Vanilla have been missing ever since, believed to be stolen.
Ms Neeland said that the farm animals are an important part of the experience offered at the Chocolaterie.
“The goats that were taken were part of our family.”
She said that while they don’t expect to ever see Nelly or Fudgy again, that she hopes the goat-nappers who nicked them are treating them well.
“We just hope that our goats are out on a property being loved somewhere.
“We are incredibly appreciative of everyone’s support. Everywhere we go, we run into people in the street and they ask us if our goats have been returned. We were very humbled by how far our story reached and the love that people shared.”
