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Animal Stories

Prickles the Sheep’s Incredible Journey: Lost and Found After Seven Years

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Prickles the Sheep’s Incredible Journey: Lost and Found After Seven Years

The Devastating Fires of 2013

In 2013, a series of devastating bushfires ravaged the Australian island state of Tasmania. The flames engulfed homes, farms, and vast tracts of bushland, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

A Lost Lamb’s Odyssey

Amidst the chaos, several livestock animals, including a young merino sheep named Prickles, fled for their lives. Prickles, then just a tiny lamb, became separated from her flock and wandered far from home.

Seven Years in the Wilderness

For seven long years, Prickles roamed the rugged Tasmanian wilderness, unshorn and alone. Her fleece grew unchecked, transforming her into a colossal ball of wool.

An Unexpected Sighting

Years after the fires, Prickles’ family had all but given up hope of ever finding her again. However, fate had a remarkable twist in store. One night, a night vision camera captured footage of a “great white, fluffy thing” near the family’s farm.

The Search for Prickles

Intrigued by the footage, Prickles’ family began a search for the mysterious creature. Their efforts were rewarded when, during a barbecue on the farm, they spotted Prickles in the flesh – a woolly behemoth that dwarfed her former flock mates.

A Wild Sheep Chase

A wild chase ensued as Prickles’ family attempted to capture the elusive sheep. After a tense fifteen-minute pursuit, they managed to corner her in a paddock.

A Massive Fleece

After seven years without shearing, Prickles’ fleece had ballooned to an astonishing size, making her five times larger than a typical sheep. It was a testament to her resilience and the incredible growth potential of merino wool.

A New Moniker: Prickles the Porcupine

The massive fleece had also collected a multitude of dirt and debris, giving Prickles the appearance of a porcupine. This inspired her new moniker.

A Return to the Fold

Despite her extreme proportions, Prickles quickly adapted back to life on the farm. She reunited with her former flock and even chased turkeys and ducks with surprising agility.

Health and Care

Prickles’ barefaced merino breed allowed her to see and survive in the wilds of Tasmania for seven years. However, her overgrown wool posed potential health risks. The Grays scheduled a shearing appointment for May 1st.

A Fundraising Effort

To mark Prickles’ return and raise funds for refugees impacted by COVID-19, the Grays launched a fundraising campaign on the website My Cause. Participants are asked to guess the weight of Prickles’ wool after making a donation.

Prickles’ Legacy

Prickles’ story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of human compassion. It also highlights the importance of regular sheep shearing for animal welfare.

Breaking the Record?

As the day of Prickles’ shearing approaches, speculation abounds. Will she break the record for the heaviest fleece ever shorn, currently held by Chris the Merino with his 90-pound fleece? Only time will tell.

Prickles’ Retirement

After her shearing, Prickles will retire to the farm’s retirement paddock, where she will spend the rest of her days in peace and comfort. Her incredible journey will forever be remembered as a tale of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.