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Ouessant sheep

Ovis aries ouessant

Ouessant sheep in their paddock at Paignton Zoo.
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae

Our flock of Ouessant sheep live in a large paddock next to the rhinos.

This species is a breed of domestic sheep native to the island of Ouessant, off the coast of Brittany.

Interesting facts!

  • This breed is one of the smallest species of sheep in the world! Rams are around 50cm tall, while ewes stand at 45cm.
  • Ouessant sheep can vary in their wool colour. Individuals can have black, white or brown wool.

Conservation

There are currently no conservation measures in place for the Ouessant sheep as this breed is commonly kept within animal collections and on farms.