SKARDU, Jan 8: A rare Marco Polo sheep – temporarily caged by the wildlife officials after it scaled down the Kharpocho hills into the city in search of water – drew a large number of spectators the other day.

The sheep, currently numbering just five to six, was later freed towards its abode.

According to eyewitnesses, the rare animal had come down the hilly tract to drink water from a tank near the Degree College. Sensing the presence of some people there, it ran towards the village. However, it failed to cross the radio station fencing, in which its long, curly horns got entangled.

When informed, the wildlife department officials and police personnel reached the place and detained the animal.

The following day, the sheep was released in the presence of a large number of spectators.

Officials told Dawn that the sheep was four years’ old and had been living on the Kharpocho hills located in the heart of Skardu city. They said the department was making efforts to preserve the rare sheep.

According to citizens, the number of Marco Polo sheep was 25 to 30 in the year 1980, but due to the apathy of the concerned officials it has come down to only five or six.