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.