GRODNO, 12 April (BelTA) - A farm not far from Grodno shared the story of an unusual sheep that looks like a Chinese panda.
Easter often brings with it tender, heartwarming tales, and the story that unfolded at a farm in Grodno Oblast features a little ewe lamb as its main character, which is doubly fitting.
The sheep named Pipa, who was born at the end of March near Grodno on the farm of hippotherapy instructor Tatiana Tereshkova in the village of Dubnitsa, is gathering just as many likes online as any seasoned beauty. However, unlike Instagram “celebrities”, it doesn’t need makeup or hairstyling for photo shoots — nature has generously gifted the little lamb with unique appearance. A blonde with black “glasses” around her eyes, wearing a black “onesie” from beneath which peek out playful white socks and a coy little tail. At first glance, it’s almost a Belarusian version of a Chinese panda.
“Our little star was born as a triplet,” the owner said. “Two of the babies were larger and of the traditional color, and then there was this little spotted one. And almost from the very first days, an unusual fate awaited this little lamb. The mother sheep had a hard time nursing three, and soon Pipa began to be pushed aside by the larger lambs, and later even the mother started running away from the ‘poor little sheep’. Only later did we read that it’s very difficult for a ewe to feed three babies. But at the time, we just noticed that Pipa was getting weaker and crying all the time. The baby was hungry. We had to save her.”
After studying recommendations, Tatiana ordered a milk replacer online. While waiting for the order, neighbors who own a cow came to the rescue. The cow’s milk suited the little one just fine. When the milk replacer arrived, they began adding it to its diet by the spoonful. And just a couple of days ago, a baby goat was born on the farm, and Pipa’s feeding problem was solved. Especially since it has grown a bit and is already starting to nibble on grass.
“Pipa is a wonderful ewe lamb,” Tatiana Tereshkova said with delight. “You know, sheep are wary, timid animals. It’s hard to get them used to being handled. But our little ‘panda’ has a different personality. When it was just a tiny baby, we brought it into the house. Believe it or not, we put a diaper on it, and the lamb even slept at the foot of our bed, near the bed, and it still spends the night in the room.”
Separated from its mother, the lamb didn’t get used to people right away, the owner explained. At first, when held, the baby’s heart would pound so hard it seemed it might jump right out. But gradually the fear faded, Pipa trusted people, and calmed down.
During the day, of course, it plays in the yard. Having overcome its initial fear, the lamb confidently approaches all the inhabitants, inviting them to play. “It’s a cheerful, active, and just very friendly lamb,” the farm owner noted. “Also very curious that it practically tries everything with its teeth.”
The lamb’s best friend has become the owner’s young cat, Kunak. “Pipa likely imagines itself to be a kitten” Tatiana joked. The pair has become nearly inseparable throughout the day. They do everything together, and if Kunak, following his feline habit, climbs a tree, its little friend stays close by, waiting impatiently for it to come back down.
The brave little lamb has already met all the inhabitants of Tatiana Tereshkova’s farm - and there are quite a few. She has 14 horses and ponies alone. There are also goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks - a little bit of everything. There are even pigeons - just for beauty, as the owner said. “In the mornings, Pipa goes with me on my rounds of the yard and fearlessly visits everyone,” the woman shared. “The lamb is also interested in the children who come for hippotherapy sessions, and that interest is mutual.”
Attention to the “internet star” is growing online as well. After seeing all the adorable photos and videos, many people want to buy the panda sheep. But Tatiana just smiles and, with a slight twist, quotes a famous line from a cartoon based on a poem by Sergei Mikhalkov: “I myself need this little sheep.”
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