Shrek the Sheep

Shrek the Sheep is a real hero

Feathered, furred or finned, the fire of freedom burns in every breast. Even a sheep will hear the Call of the Wild and, tossing security behind, will make a break for the ancestral jungle.

In Shrek's case, it was flight to the wild mountains in South Island, New Zealand.

Shrek fled from his flock, dodged capture and evaded the baaarber for six whole years.

Did Shrek the merino sheep dream of freedom while hiding out on the rocky mountain tops in New Zealand's South Island?

He survived on the high country 4,900ft above sea level, getting through the summer heat and bitter winters with snow metres deep. (Tenacious is a word that springs to mind).

He probably lived under a rocky ledge, meditating on the mysteries of life, scraping enough of the sparse vegetation to get by.

Shrek's luck came to an end when he was spotted by Ann Scanlan, at Bendigo hill station on South Island.

With his nose barely protruding from his poll and his feet only just visible, Shrek nonetheless put up a good chase before he was finally cornered among some rocks, and carried away.

Even though Shrek was deprived of his wild mountain freedom, it would be a relief to remove that six years growth of merino wool.

Although his enormous fleece impeded his vision, Shrek's knowledge of the terrain had kept him safe on the 60m cliffs.

How could he see with the wool over his eyes?

Who would have thought to write a book about sheep investigating the murder of their shepherd?

Does anyone really count sheep to go to sleep?

Sometimes small humans have trouble counting, they don't need to with this furry, squishy, cuddly lamb.

Winner of several industry awards, including the National Parenting Council's Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award.

Shrek was carried into the shearing hall at Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell, and placed in a pen on a platform surrounded by an admiring audience.

Peter Casserly, former world blade shearing champion, removed Shrek's huge 59lb fleece, big enough to make suits for 20 men.

Twenty-five minutes later his 15in coat of heavily matted wool, said to be rock hard in places, was lying on the floor and Shrek emerged from under the shears unrecognisable - small, white, and considerably lighter.

Casserly considerately left him a covering of wool.

Thousands tuned in to watch the event, televised for charity.

Congratulations, Shrek!

You tasted freedom, you beat all the odds, outwitted adversaries and lived as one with Nature. Now you've returned to the fold to find you're too old to be sold for mutton.

Instead you devote your time to raising donations to Cure Kids, turning research into hope for many thousands of children throughout New Zealand.

When Shrek finally crossed the Rainbow Bridge, his ashes were scattered on Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak.