Lonely Sheep Stranded on Cliff for Years in Scotland

A sheep in Scotland has been stuck on a coastal cliff for an extended period of time, despite numerous rescue attempts proving unsuccessful.

Jillian Turner from Brora, Scotland, shared her experience in 2021. While paddling with friends from the Sutherland Canoe and Kayak Club, they spotted a sheep on a pebble beach at the base of a steep, rocky coastline. The sheep called out to them as they approached, but eventually turned back, appearing defeated. Turner didn't think much of it at the time, assuming the sheep would find its way back.

To their surprise, when Turner returned to the same spot by boat recently, she discovered the sheep still trapped in the same place, its wool having formed dreadlocks and weighing it down. The sheep was crying out for help, desperately seeking contact with humans. This situation is particularly distressing for a herd animal like a sheep, which thrives in the company of others.

Since encountering the sheep again, Jillian Turner has reached out to various entities in hopes of facilitating a rescue. However, her efforts have been met with limited success. She contacted the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, but they explained they can only act if an emergency service like the police or fire brigade requests their assistance. The Scottish SPCA was sympathetic, but their response indicated that they were aware of the sheep but didn't consider it to be in immediate danger.

Turner believes that a rescue operation is feasible, as the water is shallow and the shore is accessible. She suggests using an inflatable boat and enlisting the help of a farming friend with a dog to capture the sheep. Having had experience with sheep herself, Turner is confident that a successful rescue is possible. She emphasizes that the sheep deserves to be saved and given the opportunity to spend its remaining years with other sheep.

In 2021, a similar situation occurred in Australia, where a sheep named Baarack was found after surviving alone in the wilderness for nearly five years. Baarack was relieved of 35 kilograms of wool that had become a burden, significantly weakening and malnourishing the animal.

(Note: The text has been modified to convey the same information in a more formal and structured manner)