Author Topic: Shrek the sheep is dead  (Read 4848 times)

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Shrek the sheep is dead
« on: June 08, 2011, 03:47:04 pm »
"New Zealanders are mourning the loss of the country's most famous sheep - a shaggy national star called Shrek who was renowned for avoiding being shorn for years.
Shrek captured the public's imagination in 2004 after he evaded the annual shearing round-ups for seven years by hiding in caves on his farm on South Island. When finally found, he was clad in an astonishing 60lb of wool.
In a country where sheep outnumber people by nearly 10 to one, Shrek's story of stubbornness and guile appealed to many.
After his capture, Shrek - a Merino breed of sheep prized for having some of the softest wool - was shorn on live TV in a broadcast which was watched by millions around the world. His story even inspired three books.
"He was quite an elderly statesman," said owner John Perriam. "He taught us a lot."
Until falling ill three weeks ago, Shrek toured the country and commanded huge sums of money for appearances.
In one star turn, he was shorn on top of a large iceberg which was floating near the South Island coast.
Shrek was one of about 17,000 sheep on the the 27,000-acre Bendigo farm in the small town of Tarras.
Mr Perriam believes Shrek was able to survive the winters and avoid detection by moving about a series of sheltered caves and by munching on small native shrubs.
After Shrek became a star, Mr Perriam gave him his own barn and showroom. Shrek even had a personal carer to look after him when he became sick, before being put to sleep on Monday at the age of 17."

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little blue

  • Joined Jun 2009
  • Derbyshire
Re: Shrek the sheep is dead
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2011, 06:39:29 pm »
bless him, RIP Shrek...

my ancesters travelled to NZ from Britain, taking the sheep with them to set up flocks in the "New" country.... and so have alot to answer for!
Little Blue

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Re: Shrek the sheep is dead
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2011, 11:12:59 pm »
I remember when they first found him after his 7 years avoiding being shorn - the story appealed to so many.  We all thought he would go straight for slaughter but he seems to have become a bit of a star  :sheep:

My father wanted to emigrate to NZ in the 50s to farm there, but it didn't happen.  When did your ancestors go out there Little Blue?  It must have been an enormous step to take and an unimaginable journey, not really knowing what life would be like on the other side of the world.
"Let's not talk about what we can do, but do what we can"

There is NO planet B - what are YOU doing to save our home?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for - plant a tree

 Love your soil - it's the lifeblood of your land.

andywalt

  • Joined Aug 2010
  • kent
  • observe react administer enjoy !!
    • photos
Re: Shrek the sheep is dead
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2011, 09:02:12 am »
Amasing story, ive also looked at the you tube clips      http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13690668  almost unbelievable !!  i evedently had ancestors from new zealand and so i suppose thats why I have always wanted sheep and chickens  ;D

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13690668

Suffolk x romneys and Texel X with Romney Tup, Shetlands and Southdown Tup

little blue

  • Joined Jun 2009
  • Derbyshire
Re: Shrek the sheep is dead
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2011, 05:45:56 pm »
  When did your ancestors go out there Little Blue?  It must have been an enormous step to take and an unimaginable journey, not really knowing what life would be like on the other side of the world.

t.b.h. I dont really know!
generations ago, its was one of those stories my Nana told.
there is nobody left of her generation now, so would take some looking into (now theres a task for a rainy day or two!)
#
  I just like to trot it out now and again, like the fact my mum was born in a prison
 .... my grandad was a Warder at Parkhurst at the time, there was some kind of family accomadation!!
:D
Little Blue

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Re: Shrek the sheep is dead
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2011, 12:45:45 am »
That's a conversasion stopper  ;D ;D ;D
"Let's not talk about what we can do, but do what we can"

There is NO planet B - what are YOU doing to save our home?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for - plant a tree

 Love your soil - it's the lifeblood of your land.

 

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