After spending years in relative isolation, a Merino sheep by the name of Chris is sporting some pretty nasty dreads. The sheep, who according to the Canberra Times, was discovered in unruly form just outside of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory and is now in desperate need of a good shearing.
The sheep, which was bred for Merino production, grew an unruly fleece that without proper shearing actually poses a threat to the animal’s health.
Thx to all who care about Chris & the other 7k animals @rspcaact cares for. You can help us!! http://t.co/EJxXbJYP4f pic.twitter.com/UIev5H5jIk
— Tammy Ven Dange (@tvendange) September 3, 2015
Among the various health issues related to an untamed fleece are “infections, flystrike, and [the coat] could prevent him from going to the bathroom,” said Tammy Ven Dange of the RSPCA in an interview with the Canberra Times. “There Could be a really nasty thing under that coat but we won’t know until we get there.”
Well so far nothing seriously nasty has been discovered but after shearing off 40.45 kilograms of fleece, the sheep may have just set a new world record. The current world record holder, a New Zealand sheep by the name of Big Ben had 28.9 kilograms shorn back in 2014 and now it looks as though the Aussies have one-upped the Kiwis once again. This time by over 10 kilograms…
Sheep "Chris" is now pondering his new lighter self post @rspcaact. Note that the pink stain is antiseptic spray. pic.twitter.com/zDwrfxb9qn
— Tammy Ven Dange (@tvendange) September 3, 2015
Now comes the question, how many merino baselayers can be pulled out of this single fleece? Guesses?
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