Black-headed Sheep
Ovis aries
Here at Banham Zoo
Banham Zoo is home to a family of black-headed sheep. They share a field with the Somali wild ass and spend most of their time grazing something made even easier by their specialised lips, which ensure nothing goes to waste!
Aside from their distinct black heads, these sheep are also known as fat buttocks sheep due to the large amounts of fat they store in their hindquarters, giving them a rather unusual appearance.
Where Do I Live?
Somalia
Black-headed sheep were originally bred in Somalia, on the east coast of Africa.
What Do I Eat?
Black-headed sheep eat grass and their cleft upper lip helps them to graze very close to the ground.
How Do I Breed?
After a pregnancy of around five months, one or occasionally two lambs are born in late winter or early spring. They are weaned at approximately six or seven weeks old.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Not yet assessed for extinction risk.
The black-headed sheep is a domestic species, therefore not endangered.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Black-headed Sheep
located?
Our
Black-headed Sheep
is located in our
Entrance Zone
, map reference
9
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
