Animals are, very often, much smarter than we think they are, even if they're "just" farm animals.
Sheep are, I think, quite an underestimated farm animal. One sheep's story has circulated around on the internet for the past few years. He gained worldwide recognition a few years ago when he managed to escape his enclosure. For six years, no one knew where he was.
When he eventually was found again, I could absolutely not believe where he had been hiding all that time. He was completely unrecognizable to those who knew him, because he was covered in more than 50 lb worth of wool.
This mischievous sheep's story has inspired many great causes, especially ones dedicated to children. And though there have been other accounts of farm animals escaping the grounds, none other has as heartwarming an ending as this special sheep's story.
Scroll further to read about this precious animal's return home, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Shrek was a Merino wether, a breed of sheep that is known to have one of the softest and finest wools. He lived in on a sheep station near Tarras, a village in southern New Zealand.
He famously “escaped” getting his wool shorn for six years by hiding in local caves.
Owner John Perriam described Shrek’s newfound appearance as looking “like some biblical creature."
Two weeks later, a professional was hired to shear off Shrek’s woolen fleece. The process took 20 minutes, and was broadcast live on national television.
His fleece weighed a total of 60 lb. and contained enough wool to make suits for 20 men.
Shrek became a national icon overnight. He was even brought to parliament to greet then-Prime Minister Helen Clark.
If Shrek hadn’t been caught, his fleece would have continued to grow at the normal rate. Unlike many other breeds, the Merino is raised for its meat, and doesn’t shed its fleece naturally.
If Shrek hadn’t been found, his thick wool coat would have inevitably become a health hazard. Its insulation would have intensified heat stress, and its weight would have gravely impacted his mobility.
Two years after he was found, Shrek celebrated his 10th birthday with another shearing. This time, he was shorn on an iceberg off the coast of Dunedin.
His fleece was auctioned off to support children’s medical charities. Shrek has also been featured in several children’s books.
We'll never know why Shrek ran away to that cave, but we're certainly happy he was located and given proper care.
Please SHARE if Shrek brought a smile to your day!
