Nashville Zoo Name Goat After Hockey Star

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 22, 2022 8:00 am

The Nashville Zoo Predators mascot is pictured at the Nashville Zoo with Pekka the goat

Photo Credit: Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo have named the latest addition to their goat herd, "Pekka" in honor of the recently retired Nashville Predators' goalie Pekka Rinne. Their announcement comes two days before Rinne’s number 35 jersey will be retired at a Preds home game on February 24.

“The Nashville Predators Foundation and the Nashville Zoo have collaborated on many fun projects over the years, and we are so grateful for our partnership,” said Rebecca King, Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations.

“With the retirement of Pekka Rinne’s jersey, the Nashville Zoo wanted to do something special, in a zoo way, to commemorate this occasion. It seemed fitting to have the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) of the Nashville Predators be honored by having a goat named after him."

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Pekka the goat has taken up residence in the Zoo’s Grassmere Historic Home and Farm alongside resident female, Kimber. It is hoped that the pair will eventually produce young together.

“He’s really good looking with his long beard and flashy coat,” said Megan Cohn, Nashville Zoo’s Contact Area Supervisor. “That made him a great candidate for breeding. We're thrilled to name him after someone who is so admired here in Nashville.”

In conjunction with the naming the Nashville Predators Foundation have announced the release of plush goats with proceeds benefiting the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund. The goat sports a number 35 preds jersey.

Learn more about the Nashville Zoo on their website – Nashville Zoo

Pekka the goat admires a plush goat which is being sold to raise funds for the Nashville Predators Foundation

Photo Credit: Nashville Zoo