June 10, 2025
At Farmaste Animal Sanctuary in Lindstrom, Minnesota, one very special goat is living his best life after a dramatic start. Iggy, also known as Iggster or Iggy Man, is a 9-year-old Lamancha goat who became locally famous in 2018. He was spotted wandering the streets of Inver Grove Heights, peeking into windows and surprising residents by showing up at their sliding glass doors.
Eventually, Iggy found his way into someone’s garage. The homeowner gently closed the door and called the police. When the Inver Grove Heights Police Department arrived, they contacted Farmaste to see if the sanctuary could take him in. Farmaste said yes, and that’s when Iggy’s new life began.
From the Slaughter Industry to Safety
It’s believed that Iggy escaped from the live animal slaughter market in South St. Paul. Many animals in that system face harsh conditions and little hope for a better future. Goats raised in the food industry often carry diseases such as CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis) and CL (Caseous Lymphadenitis), which are difficult to treat and painful for the animals.
“Iggy is one of the lucky ones,” says the Farmaste team. “Most animals like him never get the chance to live out their natural lives in peace.”
Health Challenges and Life-Saving Care
In early 2025, Iggy faced a serious health challenge — a severe, antibiotic-resistant lung infection. The infection likely stemmed from the diseases he carried since his days in the food system. It was clear that without medical care, Iggy wouldn’t survive.
Thankfully, Farmaste stepped in to give him the best possible chance. He underwent surgery at the University of Minnesota to remove the infected part of his lung and part of his sternum that had been damaged. It was a difficult surgery, but Iggy made it through.
During his recovery, Iggy had a constant companion — his stall mate, Buffy. Goats are herd animals, and having another goat close by helped Iggy feel safe and comforted. “Their bond is beautiful,” one caregiver shared. “Buffy never left his side. It made all the difference in his healing.”
A Regal Goat With a Soft Side
Today, Iggy is known as the “regal man” of the sanctuary. With his calm, noble presence and beautiful curved horns, he looks like a goat who knows he’s important. At first glance, people might think he’s a little intimidating — but once they get to know him, they discover his softer side.
“He loves getting scratches behind his tiny ears,” says a caregiver. “And he’s got this gentle energy that makes you feel calm just being near him.”
Despite his rough start and the health struggles he continues to manage, Iggy shows incredible strength and quiet joy. He reminds everyone at Farmaste — and all who visit — that animals are individuals with personalities, friendships, and the desire to live.
Why Sanctuaries Matter
Iggy’s story shows why sanctuaries like Farmaste are so important. Without a place like this, animals like Iggy wouldn’t have the chance to receive medical care, companionship, or a safe space to be themselves. Farmaste’s mission is to rescue farm animals from cruelty, give them a permanent home, and share their stories to inspire compassion.
“Every animal here has a story,” the staff says. “And every story has the power to change hearts.”
How You Can Help Goats Like Iggy
If Iggy’s journey touched your heart, there are ways you can help:
- Visit a sanctuary: Meet animals like Iggy in person and learn about their lives.
- Volunteer: Sanctuaries always need help with chores, events, and animal care.
- Donate: Medical care for animals like Iggy is expensive. Every dollar helps.
- Share their stories: Telling others about animals like Iggy spreads compassion.
- Choose plant-based: Reducing or eliminating animal products helps reduce suffering for goats, pigs, chickens, and many more.
Final Thoughts
Iggy may have started out as a mystery goat running through a neighborhood, but today, he’s a beloved part of the Farmaste family. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we choose kindness and care. His soft side may be hidden under a tough exterior, but those who know him best are lucky enough to see it every day.
As the team at Farmaste says, “We are honored we get to see the real Iggy — the strong, sweet, and deeply loved soul that he is.”
The Work of Farmaste Animal Sanctuary
Farmaste Animal Sanctuary rescues abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals and provides them with a safe sanctuary. Residents are respected as someone, not treated as something.
Farmaste is located in Lindstrom, MN, less than an hour north of the Twin Cities, near Stacy and North Branch. Founder and volunteer Kelly Tope tells us that farm sanctuaries like Farmaste do important work for their residents and raise awareness, but don’t have the capacity to care for even 1% of the animals slaughtered each year.
Farmaste currently serves as a home to five cows, seven goats, five sheep, five pigs and two donkeys! You can see more photos and find out more about their work and their residents on their website.
Farmaste: A Caring Farm Animal Rescue Organization
This is how Farmaste describes their mission: “At Farmaste Animal Sanctuary we believe that all animals have inherent worth, and that farm animals are not an exception to that rule. We rescue abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals and bring them to our 30-acre farm in Lindstrom, MN. There they are allowed to roam in the pastures, and live out their days free from cruelty. Farmaste Animal Sanctuary also provides opportunities for people to connect with the animals and hear their stories through our scheduled tours and volunteer opportunities.”
They are a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fully funded through donations. Farmaste is verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Other Featured Farmaste Residents
We have featured other Farmaste residents in past blogs, including:
Kristen the goat (in memoriam)
Our Partner Farm Sanctuaries
There are several wonderful farm sanctuaries in the area including Chicken Run Rescue, Herbivorous Acres, Spring Farm, Farmaste, and Soulspace. All of these sanctuaries do wonderful work for farmed animals. Each month, we feature one sanctuary resident from one of these rescue organizations in our blog and newsletter.
Love reading about rescue animals? Check our blog page regularly and sign up for our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss any of the endearing stories of local rescue animals.
