Zoo mourns rare sheep — oldest of his kind — that brightened ‘even the darkest day’
A zoo in Ohio is mourning the passing of a much-adored Barbados blackbelly sheep that was the “oldest documented individual” of its species, a heartbreaking May 15 Facebook post revealed.
At nearly 15 years old, Felix was more than just a heartbeat on the grounds, he was “a cherished member of” the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the post read.
Felix’s type of sheep can live up to 13 years in captivity, and the breed is currently in the process of recovering, the Live Stock Conservancy and Idaho Falls websites reveal. In 2007, there were “fewer than 300 pure breed individuals left in the US,” and breeders were fighting to preserve “the purity of the species,” Idaho Falls noted.
Felix’s passing seemed to rock the zoo since he was so dearly loved and had a warm personality and an affection for humans.
“Felix was truly one of a kind. At almost 15 years old, he was not only the oldest documented individual of his species, but he also possessed a warm and gentle spirit that touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him,” the post read.
“Always the friendliest of our sheep, Felix welcomed guests with open arms (and sometimes even donned a hat or two!). His deep ‘voice’ never failed to bring a smile to our faces, and his gentle nature made him a favorite among even the smallest of children.”
The sheep suffered through osteoarthritis as he aged, and the zoo had to make the painful decision to euthanize Felix to ease his pain.
“His loss leaves a significant void in our barn and in our hearts. He had a way of brightening even the darkest days with his presence, and his absence will be keenly felt by all who knew him,” the post read.
The comment section filled with people sending their condolences and praised the eulogy.
“Sending condolences to Felix’s care team,” one person said.
“I loved Felix. Rest in peace buddy,” another commented.
“We were there on Monday... I can’t be for certain but if he was out and about on Monday then I think that’s the sheep my daughter found and she fell in love with him,” someone noted.
“So very sorry for your zoo community. Thank you for your exceptional animal care,” one person wrote.
This story was originally published May 16, 2024 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Zoo mourns rare sheep — oldest of his kind — that brightened ‘even the darkest day’."