There are almost half a million sheep in Iceland outnumbering the human population (325.000) by a good margin. In May the flock grows even larger when the lambing season starts.
Multiple births are very common in Icelandic ewes. When set free a few weeks after the lambing most of ewes head to the mountain pastures with two lambs, some even three or four. The sheep graze on the rich and nourishing vegetation in the mountains until autumn. Then farmers round-up their flocks, usually on foot or horseback with the assistance of sheepdogs.
The only type of sheep in Iceland is the native northern European short-tailed sheep brought there by the settlers, the Vikings, 1100–1200 years ago. It is a strong, hardy race, which has been bred, in a very harsh environment. The race was formerly common in northwestern Europe, but can now only be found in very few areas of the world.
The fleece of the sheep is dual-coated and comes in white as well as a variety of other colors, including a range of browns, grays, and blacks.
The Reykjavík Petting Zoo in Laugardalur valley has a small flock of sheep. May is a great time to stop by to witness the newborn lambs taking their first tiny step into the outside world.
There are almost half a million sheep in Iceland outnumbering the human population (325.000) by a good margin. In May the flock grows even larger when the lambing season starts.
Multiple births are very common in Icelandic ewes. When set free a few weeks after the lambing most of ewes head to the mountain pastures with two lambs, some even three or four. The sheep graze on the rich and nourishing vegetation in the mountains until autumn. Then farmers round-up their flocks, usually on foot or horseback with the assistance of sheepdogs.
The only type of sheep in Iceland is the native northern European short-tailed sheep brought there by the settlers, the Vikings, 1100–1200 years ago. It is a strong, hardy race, which has been bred, in a very harsh environment. The race was formerly common in northwestern Europe, but can now only be found in very few areas of the world.
The fleece of the sheep is dual-coated and comes in white as well as a variety of other colors, including a range of browns, grays, and blacks.
The Reykjavík Petting Zoo in Laugardalur valley has a small flock of sheep. May is a great time to stop by to witness the newborn lambs taking their first tiny step into the outside world.
