Baarack, a much-loved once woolly mammoth of a sheep rescued by Edgar’s Mission animal sanctuary, has passed away aged about 10 years of age, succumbing to cancer.
Found wandering the Cobaw State Forrest in 2021, Baarack looked more like a moving cloud than a sheep.
Burdened down with some 35 kilograms of wool, Baarack was delivered to Edgar’s Mission in Lancefield, and sanctuary founder Pam Ahern was fearful he would not survive as he struggled to see and stand.
While Baarack’s fleece had taken at least six years to reach its wild and woolly state, his transformational rescue story quickly went viral reaching more than 12 million people around the globe.
“Since posting news of his passing, people from all around the world are reaching out with their sympathy,” Ms Ahern said.
“He really was one truly amazing sheep. That he could touch the hearts of so many without them even meeting him speaks of this.”
The sanctuary’s tribute post tells of Baarack’s ‘soft and gentle’ nature, along with the fact he never feared humans despite his many years of never being in contact with them.
A recent post spoke of his penchant for offering sanctuary staff his endearing toothy grin.
“While our hearts are indeed heavy from the passing of our much-loved woolly friend, Baarack’s legacy will long stay with us, reminding us all of just how amazing and forgiving sheep are,” Ms Ahern said.
“And too, the incredible power of kindness, for had the kind heart who saved Baarack that day, all those years ago, looked the other way, Baarack would never have been seen.”
