By Chris R.
In early August, we received a
message regarding a lamb born with undeveloped eyes. Termed microcephaly, the
condition means that vision is limited or absent, and can be caused from
certain infections or exposure to toxic chemicals during the ewe’s pregnancy. The
message stated that the little dorper ewe was around four weeks old, and was
struggling to keep up with her flock. She had also become caught in a
fence, her ear tag damaging her ear, and her elderly mother leaving her behind.
Fortunately, kindness saved baby
Elsa, her farmer decided to contact the Valley for assistance. The
next day, Elsa was delivered to the Sanctuary and underwent a thorough vet
check. Dr Kev confirmed Elsa had little sight, was dehydrated and had some facial
injuries from running into fences. Understandably, she was also very frightened. By
evening, Elsa was tucked up with a warm jacket on, and had worked out how to suckle
her new bottle. Within a day, she already had the confidence to carefully
follow our footsteps around the Sanctuary, sniffing all the new smells and
baaing at the sheep outside. We were in awe of Elsa’s skill at remembering her
surroundings after such a short time, and also her amazing hearing – she quickly learned when milk was being prepared!
Elsa has now been at the Sanctuary
for two months and is growing well. She has bonded with her foster brother Bunny, and loves to play head butts with him between naps. We look
forward to introducing Elsa to new lamb friends once she is a little stronger. She’s an incredible little lamb!
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