A new sheep (Corriedale) named "Merida" has joined the livestock at Inokashira Park Zoo Zoo. Merida is a one-year-old female, born on March 17, 2024.

At zoos, when a new animal arrives, it's not immediately put into care with the other animals. First, a "quarantine" is conducted, in which a veterinarian examines the animal to ensure it doesn't carry any diseases that could be transmitted to other animals. Merida also went into a quarantine facility attached to the animal hospital immediately after arriving at the zoo on June 11th, and spent some time there.

On the day of her arrival, Merida remained calm and quiet in the quarantine enclosure. However, the next morning, she seemed to hear the bleating of Goat in the nearby livestock shed, and began to respond with loud bleating. Goat and sheep live in herds and communicate with each other through vocalizations. Goat in the livestock shed were also restless at Merida's unfamiliar voice. They looked around anxiously, searching for the source of the voice, which they could not see, and bleated back at her with loud noises.

These lively days continued for several days, but gradually Goat lost interest in Merida's voice and stopped responding. Meanwhile, Merida would occasionally bleat loudly even when there was no response. It was as if she was calling out, "What's wrong, everyone? I'm here!!" Just a little more patience until the quarantine was over.

Ten days later, Merida successfully completed her quarantine and moved to the barn. The barn houses one sheep, three Goat, and three chickens, and Merida first met the senior sheep, Bell, in the sleeping quarters in the backyard. They sniffed each other through the fence and seemed to accept each other without any fuss.


Merida (left) and Belle (right) are having a romantic encounter across the fence.
The next morning, we let Merida out into the playground to join the other members. The two Goat seemed surprised at first, but gradually calmed down, and Merida began following Bell around. The two sheep are often seen together in the playground, and it's a heartwarming sight to see. Merida had no trouble meeting Goat and chickens, and now, a month later, she seems to have settled in completely, and we often see her relaxing with Bell.


Goat when Merida first met them
Merida's voice, which used to resonate so loudly, has not been heard since she arrived at the livestock pen. This may be the best proof that she has adjusted to her new environment and is living safely with her companions.


Bell (foreground) and Merida (background) resting together.
[Inokashira Park Zoo Zoo and Zoo Exhibition Manager]

◎Related articles
・ Two Corriedale dogs have joined the family. (December 23, 2011)
・ Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel and two sheep will be moved to Inokashira Park Zoo (July 6, 2018)
・ "Alice" and "Belle," elderly sheep (November 25, 2024)
・ Alice the sheep (Corriedale) has died. (May 29, 2025)

(July 26, 2025)