Jacob Sheep

See our flock at the Children’s Zoo Farm!

I have a black and white spotted wool coat. Some of my black spots are specific to what kind of breed I am. For example, the spots that are around my muzzle, eyes, shoulders, feet, and knees indicate that I am a Jacob’s Sheep. As an adult I can have two to six horns, but the most common is four. If I am a male, my horns might have more interesting shapes, like spirals.

I am a herbivore who likes to graze. I prefer grass, but I do enjoy a diverse diet that includes grains and other plants. I am a selective eater, using my lips and tongue to pick specific leaves and parts of plants. I have a multi-chambered stomach, allowing me to digest plant products that contain high levels of cellulose. One of my chambers stores the quickly ingested food, and then brings it back up to chew again, before I can digest it.

My black and white coloring may have originated from Moorish sheep found in Spain or Africa and my four horned characteristics may have originated in Norse sheep from Scandinavia, but I am a descendant from an ancient Old World breed of sheep.

I live in big groups, called a flock. We will communicate through a range of vocalizations at a variety of pitches and patterns. This is often referred to as bleating. Bleating is very important because it warns the rest of the flock when there is danger. It also plays an important role in mother and lamb bonding. Our lambs will recognize their mother by the call alone.