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Shetland Sheep

Ovis aries

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Ovis aries
Class: Mammal
Weight: 75 to 125 pounds
Life span: 10 to 12 years
Conservation status: Common
Number of offspring: 1 to 3 lambs at a time

About

I LIVE IN EUROPE

The Shetland sheep is a small breed of sheep that is native to the Shetland Isles in Scotland. Today, they are kept all over the globe, not just in Scotland.


I AM AN HERBIVORE

Shetland sheep with consume mostly grazing grass and other vegetation in their habitat.


SHETLAND SHEEP ARE SOCIAL

Like other sheep breeds, Shetland sheep are very social animals. They spend their time with related flock members and bond very closely with those other sheep.


MIGHTY MEMORY

Shetland sheep, as well as other sheep breeds, have very strong memories that allow them to remember multiple other sheep for years on end.


HELPING SHETLAND SHEEP IN THE WILD

By visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, you are supporting local, regional, and global conservation. A portion of every ticket sold goes towards conservation of wildlife and wild places. Each year, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo donates over $250,000 to our conservation partners


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

Not only do Shetland sheep help bring balance to the plant life in their ecosystem through their herbivorous diet, but their split hooves also help break up the rocky soil to allow for seed dispersal and increased plant growth.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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