New Zealanders are mourning the loss of the country's most famous sheep. The shaggy icon named Shrek was renowned for avoiding being shorn for years.
Shrek captured the public's imagination in 2004 after he evaded the annual shearing roundups for seven years by hiding in caves on his farm on the South Island.
He was clad in an astonishing 27kg of wool when he was finally caught and shorn on live TV.
In a country where sheep outnumber people by nearly 10 to one, Shrek's renegade story inspired three books. He later toured the country.
Owner John Perriam said on Tuesday that Shrek became sick three weeks ago and was euthanised on Monday at age 17.
He plans a funeral and to scatter Shrek's ashes atop New Zealand's highest mountain.
Share
