Spring offspring at the Oberrabenstein game reserve
Four healthy lambs are the centre of attention among the Gutesche sheep. The young animals are already curiously exploring their surroundings. The Guteschaf (Ovis orientalis f. aries) is a robust and medium-sized landrace from the group of Northern European short-tailed sheep originating from the Swedish island of Gotland. With their physique, they largely correspond to the sheep that were already kept in the Viking Age. They are characterised by their mouflon-like horns, which are pronounced in both males and females. Another special feature of this breed is that the animals largely shed their wool themselves in early summer and therefore hardly need to be shorn.
The mouflon (Ovis ammon musimon) also has four lambs, with one more expected. Mouflon live in herds, which usually consist of sheep (females), lambs and young rams (males) and are led by the so-called lead sheep. Older rams form small bachelor groups or live solitary lives. They are mainly active during the day, but can also be active into the night. They like to rest in hiding.
The world's smallest wild sheep probably originated in Corsica and Sardinia. It is assumed that European mouflons developed in the Neolithic period from feral domestic sheep that lived on the Mediterranean islands in rocky, open mountain landscapes with a dry climate. However, the exact origin has not yet been conclusively clarified - it is possible that small remnants of wild sheep survived the last ice age in these regions. Due to their origin in sparsely wooded areas, mouflons have very good eyesight and were able to recognise potential dangers, such as humans, from a distance of up to 800 to 1,000 metres.
The newborns in spring are once again a very special event this year. Around Easter in particular, many guests were delighted to be able to see the young animals.
Opening hours (April to September)
Chemnitz Zoo: daily 9 am to 7 pm
Game enclosure: daily 9 am to 6 pm
Last admission and closing time one hour before closing time.