Blacky
a camera sheep with motor problems
Blacky, a five-month-old black and brown Cameroon sheep, was abandoned by the mother sheep right after birth. Blacky was bottle-fed by an animal-loving lady, but due to his handicap, he cannot be joined to the sheep flock.
For what reason do animal mothers "reject" their babies?
"Nature does nothing without ulterior motives..."
- this is how I try to explain to children what it means when a young sheep like Blacky is not accepted by its mother.
The reasons why animal mothers do not accept their babies are manifold and sometimes not really logical for humans: for example, if an animal mother gives birth to twins or triplets, but instinctively knows that she cannot provide for all three with her milk, one will be left behind. It also happens that animal babies are born weakened and the mother senses that it will not have a life expectancy: the young one remains lying there. This behaviour is not aggressive or evil, but is a law of nature.
Blacky's mother instinctively sensed that something was wrong with the little sheep and she was to be proved right. Blacky has motor disorders in his hind legs, i.e. it is difficult for him to stand up and move around. Nature would have sent him over the Rainbow Bridge - a young woman did not want that and took care of him.
Blacky now lives in his new home Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf
Blacky has found two friends in his new home: Batman and little Mogli. All three are still very young sheep and live together in a small barn. It is nice to watch them. Batman and Blacky always have Mogli, the youngest, in their midst. Whether he is eating or sleeping, he is always protected.
Do animals feel that one of them is "different" and has a handicap? Batman and Mogli instinctively feel that their new friend Blacky has problems getting up and walking. They have accepted him as he is. He is allowed to be different.
Summer is slowly coming and today I discovered the three little sheep on a small, shady meadow towards the Pig Palace. I called Blacky. He listened, slowly turned his head, slowly turned his front legs in my direction and very carefully, and a little bumpily, he came to me and let me stroke his little horns. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the situation.
It is good that nature has its laws. It is good that there are people like this young woman who wanted Blacky to stay alive. It is good that Blacky will have a good time with his friends Batman and Mogli. His little black eyes are full of gratitude and devotion to his young life.
Thank you for helping us through your support to provide animals with a handicap a happy life among fellow species. Every life is worth the love and care.
Love is just a word, but it carries everything we have. Without it, the world would be empty.
- Oscar Wilde
In this spirit, sincerely, your Gisela