A huge fleece shorn from a rogue sheep is (unofficially) a world record, claims Australia’s RSPCA.
The overgrown sheep, dubbed Chris, was found near Canberra last week and brought in for a clipping by champion shearer Ian Elkins. The cut wool weighed in at over 40kg, which is a new record for heaviest fleece removed in one shearing, according to the RSPCA.
It obliterated the previous record set by Shrek the world famous New Zealand sheep which racked up a hefty 27kgs at the baa-bers.
“It was a challenge but the sheep was calm and the vets gave it a mild sedation before we started the shear,” Elkins told the ABC of the delicate removal of the wool.
“For this to cut over 40 kilograms and smash the world record, Shrek the New Zealand sheep, he cut 27 kilograms, it’s unbelievable,” he said.
It is estimated the sheep had not been shorn for approximately 5 years, seriously jeopardising the animal’s health.
The trim and terrific new Chris was put up for adoption following his makeover.