Hamish,
the Hairy Coo

Hamish is the spirited Scottish Highland cow (a.k.a. "Hairy Coo") and the proud MOOscot/mascot of WorldKind, a public benefit company dedicated to fostering global learning.

Born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Hamish has a natural affinity for the values of COO...laboration, inclusivity, and kindness. With his endearing charm and gentle demeanor, Hamish loves to engage with communities across many cultures and has naturally playful spirit.

Hamish has a knack for turning a simple moo or two into life lessons and is a natural born educator. With the cheesy (read: punny) sense of humor that Highland Hairy Coos are famous for, Hamish helps to make WorldKind's Health & Safety lessons even stickier and easier to remember (see one example below).

Since cows love being part of a herd, Hamish has taken on hoofing our weekly newsletter for our partners to keep everyone in the know.

Each week, he chews over the student feedback on their "Traveler Trainer PRO" experience and shares a highlight or two that he finds amazing or a-MOO-sing and sends them out on Fridays to keep us all focused on the goal of helping student development along their journeys. Hamish also loves lifting up fellow members of his herd and gives out his own "Outstanding in the Field" award. . . oh and he also lets his humans share some updates too . . .

Hamish also loves traveling to COO-nferences too and leaves a lasting impression where to go. And while bovines don't like to boast, we are rather proud that Hamish won "The Treasure Chest" award last year at the NAFSA Bi-Regional VIII/X conference for delivering "the most creative, high quality, and highly coveted promotional items, turning simple swag into a treasure." We're happy that "Hamishes" having been finding homes across the country with colleagues, in campus offices, and on canine friends too!

Whether he's wandering through rolling meadows or lending a hoof in support of various projects, Hamish is a true ambassador for WorldKind's commitment to creating a positive societal impact. His shaggy ginger coat and distinctive long horns make him not only an iconic figure but also a symbol of resilience and adaptability.

With each gentle moo and friendly gaze, Hamish continues to leave a mark on the hearts of those he encounters, symbolizing the principles of WorldKind and the pursuit of a brighter, kinder future for all.

FAQs

Asking for a buddy… What's a "coo"?

Oh, my sweet Sassenach Friends. It's Scottish for "cow," of course. Hay...er, Hey, since we're on the topic, did you know highland coos are the oldest registered cattle breed in the world?

How do you support global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs)?

Another great question and one I was asked when I was interviewing for the mascot position! I'm an udder brilliant sustainability icon for a coo-liedoscoope of reasons, if I do say so myself. Here are just a few:

By entertaining global travelers with coo tricks and creating moments of joy and connection, I support education and development.
Coos have the transformative power of rehabilitating desolate lands. By feasting on thistles and nettles, often overlooked by other animals, we contribute to turning barren spaces into thriving ecosystems!
Coo poop is a remarkable fertilizer and underlines the commitment to responsible land management and agricultural practices, supporting goals related to life on land and responsible consumption.

Together with WorldKind, I champion a "world-kind" approach and always promote a harmonious balance between nature and human development!

To learn more about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), click here.

To play and test your SDG knowledge, click here.

Your hair is always in your eyes! Why don't you style a mohawk or pigtails so you can see better?

Excellent question! While a mohawk and pigtails are quite fashion forward (and I have ocassionally indulged) it's actually quite unnecessary thanks to coo-eyeball mechanics.

You see (pun intended), coos have panoramic vision, with a wide field of view of approximately 330 degrees! This wide peripheral vision helps us see from various angles, contributing to our overall awareness of our surroundings... Plus, the extra shag helps protect our eyes from wind, rain, and snow. I agree - it is super coo...ool!

What are your favorite treats?

I fancy carrots, apples, pumpkins, and cabbage leaves.

Are all Scottish Highland Coos gingers?

Nope, not at all. Our cozy coats come in a moo-tiful array of shades – black, brown, yellow, white, grey, tan, and, believe it or not, even white! We're clearly the stylish trendsetters of the Highland pastures.

What are your favorite jokes?

Ah, I've got two pasture favorites in my grazing menu.

Why are cows excellent students?...

...

...Because they're always outstanding in their field of study!

What do you get when you cross a cow and a trampoline?...

...

A milkshake!

Can I visit you in Scotland?

Ab-so-hoofing-lotuley!

Beyond my role as the beloved mascot of WorldKind, I love hosting visitors to the Highlands. I'm a great guide and happy to offer culinary lessons on the fine art of carrot-feeding. I can also give insights into other delectable treats that resonate with Scottish Highland cows across the Highlands so you'll know what to do when you meet my family.

WorldKind, PBLLC