Blacky
a camera sheep with motor problems
Blacky, a five-month-old black and brown Cameroon sheep, was rejected by his mum immediately after birth. Blacky was bottle-fed by an animal-loving lady, but due to his disability, he cannot join the flock of sheep.
Why do animal mothers "reject" their young?
“Nature does nothing without an ulterior motive…”
– This is how I try to explain to children what it means when a young sheep like Blacky is not accepted by its mum.
The reasons why animal mothers do not accept their young are varied and sometimes not really logical for humans: for example, if an animal mum 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 baby animals are born weakened and the mother senses that they will not have a life expectancy: the young are left lying down. This behaviour is not aggressive or evil, but a law of nature.
Blacky’s mother instinctively sensed that something was wrong with the little camera sheep, and she was proved right. Blacky has motor disorders in his hind legs, which means he finds it difficult to stand up and move around. Nature would have sent him over the Rainbow Bridge – a young woman didn’t 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 Mowgli. All three are still very young sheep and live together in a small stable. It’s lovely to watch them. Batman and Blacky always have Mowgli, 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 Mowgli 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’s good that nature has its laws. It’s good that there are people like this young woman who wanted Blacky to stay alive. It’s good that Blacky will have a good time with his friends Batman and Mowgli. His little black eyes are full of gratitude and devotion to his young life.
Thank you for your support in helping us to give animals with a handicap a happy life among their own kind. Every life is worthy of love and care.
Love is just a word, but it carries everything we have. Without it, the world would be empty.
– Oscar Wilde
With this in mind, sincerely yours, Gisela
