Wild and precious

But the world into which Fred and Ginger fled was still unkind to sheep. Alas, it always is, if one has been labelled a “farm” animal.

Having narrowly escaped the place that was set to claim them, refuge was found some days later in an abandoned factory lot. It was here we first laid eyes on these two slender and glorious Damara sheep. Instantly their chemistry and harmony were as palpable as it was unsurpassed. 

Likely mother and child, their lives seemed perfectly entwined. Accepting of this, when we could only capture Ginger on our first attempt, we couldn’t leave Fred behind. Reluctantly, we let her go.

Determined to honour our vow, we returned the next day with our hearts in our throats and a well-laid plan. A plan that enlisted the assistance of Manfred Zabinskas of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue, with his patience and his sharp darting skills of kindness.

All was executed with the utmost of care, and a collective sigh of relief rang out for the safe capture of Fred and Ginger.

Watching this magical duo now, a different backdrop frames their dance – the picturesque and bucolic scenes of sanctuary. While still moving in perfect unison, they remain somewhat elusive of our kindness. Yet if they are to take their lead from the affable matriarch that is Kansas and her merry crew, that will only be so for now.

With the curtain call of their lives now way, way off, that timeframe will be of their choosing, and nothing will ever again intrude on their wild and precious lives.