Cuddle ram Leopold demands constant attention at Estonian hobby farm

Leopold, the most popular cuddle sheep at Kallaste hobby farm in Järva County, constantly seeks human attention and nudges people when they walk away, ERR’s programme Ringvaade reported.

Farm owner Liina Saks said Leopold has long wool that is more like hair and wants close contact. Because he is a ram, he starts nudging when people leave, but remains happy as long as they keep hugging him.

Unlike ordinary sheep, which move away when people try to hug them, Leopold stays put. A friend brought him to the farm after he was destined for slaughter. Saks said he will eventually return to the flock to perform his duties as a ram.

Leopold has grown so large that Saks can no longer lift him properly into her lap.

Kallaste hobby farm is home to horses, miniature cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, dogs and many birds, with 60 animals and 120 birds in total. The farm began out of a love of animals and has been open year-round for six summers. Visitors can come six days a week to pet the animals, and sometimes hold them. Saks said the animals have become accustomed to the constant attention.

She also warned visitors to be careful. Some animals have bad days, and people are sometimes unaware of their size and strength. Saks said visitors who enter an enclosure with food may be knocked over by an animal’s body weight and might not even have the courage to push a sheep away.