Owner of goats who stay on ‘Goat Island’ makes decision on their return in April
The owner of the goats who frequent “Goat Island” has decided not to return them this season after months of consideration.
Al Hitchcock, who owns Drunken Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge, has been transporting the goats to the island every spring since 1982. The goats are popular with locals and tourists visiting the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
“Relocating the goats on and off the island is stressful for them,” Hitchcock said Tuesday on his Drunken Jack’s Facebook page. “Our main concern is their safety and not to traumatize them.”
The goats, which number about seven but have been as high as 12, typically live on the island from April through November.
In January, there was discussion on social media that the problem of returning the goats was not enough volunteers to help with them, but Hitchcock had said that his concern has always been about the safety of the goats.
King Tides have negatively impacted the island, and the goats don’t have space to roam safely, Hitchcock said. He anticipates it would be much worse with the tides expected this year.
The restaurant owner said they are trying to find “environmentally responsible solutions” in order to bring the goats back to the island.
The goats were not returned at the end of the season last year after they were removed in October ahead of Hurricane Ian.
Hitchcock asked anyone who may know about ways to restore the island, to leave a message at 843-651-1361.
“Thank you to all our goat supporters near and far,” Hitchcock posted on the Facebook page. “The outpouring of concern about our beloved pets is heartwarming, to say the least. Who knew our little Goat Island and Goats would become so famous!”
