Sheep with the world’s heaviest fleece

A WALKER in Canberra, Australia, recently came across a Merino sheep with a mammoth fleece that made it difficult for the animal to ever walk or see properly. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was called at once to rescue the poor creature that was probably lost in the wild for years due to which it didn’t receive the shave it needed.

Named Chris, the sheep had so much wool on it that animal welfare experts had to call in four-time Australian Shearing Championship winner Ian Elkins to shear it to save it from serious medical conditions. It took Elkins 45 minutes, with four helps, to clear 40.45kg of fleece from the sheep’s back, while an average fleece weighs 5kg and takes just three minutes to shear.

Chris has also made an unofficial world record for the heaviest fleece and is said to be feeling fine after his makeover and did not show any signs of infection or injury.

YES, fish ice lollies are here and they’re suitable for the consumption of both humans and penguin alike. Not surprisingly though, they’re not available in the frozen section of your local supermarket as they been devised as a treat for penguins at Chessington World of Adventures, England.

The ‘Zoo-shi’ lollies, as they’re appropriately called, are the brainchild of Chessington’s own zoo team, who were looking for a new way of keeping their flightless residents cool this summer.

And as for what the lolly consists of, daring eaters can expect a variety of crustaceans, alongside a hint of lemon and tarragon to add extra flavour. The unusual snack will also be available for all adventurous visitors.

“We thought it would be fun to create something both our penguin and human guests can enjoy, and we’re looking forward to seeing the reactions from guests who are bold enough to taste the treat,” penguin keeper Camille Sade explained.