Sheep 1

Sheep

Scientific name: Ovis aries

 

The sheep is a ruminant mammal typically kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates.

In the UK, there are more than 90 different breeds and cross-breeds of sheep that all have different qualities: some can survive on mountains, some make great mothers and some produce tasty lamb chops!

Sheep’s wool is the most sustainable fibre in the world. It's a natural product of the sheep’s life cycle and the welfare of sheep is improved by them being shorn. An adult ewe produces one fleece per year.

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we have Jacob and Dorset sheep. 

  1. At Noah's Ark...

    We have 3 species of sheep... Jacobs, Dorset and White Face Woodland.

  2. We live...

    In the Farm Fields, opposite the elephant enclosure

Adopt an animal Animal Encounters

  1. Size Fact

    Full grown adult sheep can weigh up to 90kg.

  2. Food Fact

    Sheep are herbivorous mammals. Lamb (the meat) has lots of nutrients, including iron, protein, folates, zinc and B vitamins.

  3. Fun Fact

    Ewes can recognise their lambs by their call.

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