Animals in the wild are absolutely incredible creatures and should be treated with the utmost respect.
Sometimes, though, wild animals require human intervention to aid in their safety, like the baby moose who was saved from drowning. Humans who go out of their way to care for these creatures are performing very important work. So with this latest story of an animal in the news about an incredible-looking wild sheep, I absolutely had to know more.
When I saw the image of this special sheep, I couldn't believe my eyes. Newly named Chris, this sheep was discovered by several people who reported seeing an animal surrounded by a giant mass of wool. Having grown out years worth of wool, this wandering sheep was at great risk for serious infection under all that growth.
Luckily for this creature, who was definitely in need of some sheep shearing, Australia's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stepped in to save the day. This incredible story and these unbelievable images prove just how important animal rescue can be.
h/t: RSPCA
Chris the sheep was spotted by members of the public in Canberra, Australia, who called inspectors from the RSPCA.
After searching for several days, staff members from the rescue association were able to track Chris down. He appeared to have wandered away from his herd and had been living on his own for years.
In fact, the RSPCA estimates that his wool had been growing for at least five years, leaving him a poor, giant mass.
The RSPCA writes, "While he could barely walk or fit through our paddock doors, our biggest fear was that he might have serious infections under that mass of wool. We needed to shear him as soon as possible."
But it wasn't as simple as that. They write, "We were also unsure if he could live through this ordeal as he was clearly stressed and could die easily of shock."
In order to save his life, and under the supervision of RSPCA veterinarians, a shearer carefully removed his wool.
The wool that the shearer removed weighed 40.45 kg, or just under 90 lbs.! The lost sheep had been wandering for years with nearly 90 lbs. hanging from his skin.
The RSPCA writes, "While Chris continues to recover from his massive day, he's already looking like a new man!"
"As vets still have minor health concerns about Chris, he will remain under observation for a few days and should be available for adoption soon."
Note: The pink stain on Chris is just antiseptic spray.
The incredible workers at the RSPCA are true heroes for helping to save this beautiful, struggling creature. With the help of this rescue association, Chris will have the chance at a healthy life and a happy new home.
To learn more about the RSCPA or how you can help, please visit their website here.
What do you think of what these amazing vets did to give Chris a second chance at life? Let us know in the comments.
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