Shrek (sheep)
New Zealand sheep (1994–2011) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shrek (27 November 1994– 6 June 2011) was a Merino wether, castrated male sheep belonging to Bendigo Station, a sheep station near Tarras, New Zealand.[1] He gained international fame in 2004, after he avoided being caught and shorn for six years.[1] Merinos are normally shorn annually, but Shrek apparently hid in caves, avoiding muster. He was named after the fictional ogre in books and films of the same name.[2]
.jpg) Shrek in November 2008 | |
| Species | Ovis aries (domestic sheep) |
|---|---|
| Breed | Merino |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 27 November 1994 New Zealand |
| Died | 6 June 2011 (aged 16) Tarras, Otago, New Zealand |
| Years active | 2004–2011 |
| Known for | Avoiding capture Having grown 27kg of wool |
| Owner | Bendigo Station |
| Named after | Shrek |
Life
After finally being caught on 15 April 2004, he was shorn by a professional in 20 minutes on 28 April. The shearing was broadcast on national television in New Zealand.[3][4] His fleece contained enough wool to make 20 large men's suits, weighing 27kg (60lb)– an average Merino fleece weighs around 4.5kg (10lb),[5] with exceptional weights up to around 15kg (33lb).[6]
Shrek became a national icon. He was taken to parliament to meet the then-New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, in May 2004, to celebrate his 10th birthday.[7][8] In November 2006, 30 months after his initial shearing, Shrek was shorn again, on an iceberg floating off the coast of Dunedin, New Zealand.[9][10]
Shrek was also shorn on the Sky Tower observation deck, raising money for charity.[11]
Death & legacy
Shrek was euthanised on 6 June 2011 on a veterinarian's advice. He was 16.[1]
At the New Zealand parliament onsite storage facility, a wooden box with a cutting of wool from Shrek was uncovered.[11] It was a gift to Rt Hon Helen Clark in 2004, who met him later that year.[11]
In 2014, a taxidermy Shrek the Sheep appeared in an exhibition at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He was treated and stuffed by taxidermist, David Jacobs based in Queenstown.[12][13]
Shrek remains in the collection at Te Papa, as well as his limited edition Icebreaker jersey, blanket cover and his fleece.[14][15][16][17]
In 2022, another sheep who evaded shearing for many years was named 'Shrekapo' after the original Shrek the sheep.[18]
See also
- Agriculture in New Zealand
- Chris – a similar case in Australia
- Fiona – a similar case in Scotland
- Sonny Wool – tongue-in-cheek "psychic sheep" that became popular during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
References
Further reading
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