Gulf Coast Native Sheep

Gulf Coast Native Sheep

Among sheep breeds, these sheep are particularly robust in hot and humid climates such as the Gulf Coast of North America. Sheep were among one of the very first domesticated animals, and have been part of human life as companions, a wool source and a meat source for millennia. Many thousands of years of selective breeding have produced a large of number of breeds specialized for different purposes and climates. Gulf Coast native sheep are known for having a natural resistance to hoof rot and for being particularly resistant to parasites.

Ovis aries

Herbivore

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Urban Areas

Contact yard animals always have access to a quiet time area when they need a break from human affection. Guests may enjoy time with the animals anytime except during the coldest or rainiest conditions, but it will always be a surprise to find which specific breeds and individual animals are there to greet them.

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Gulf Coast native sheep are known for having a natural resistance to hoof rot and for being particularly resistant to parasites. In fact, the Florida Department of Agriculture has maintained a herd since 1962 without the use of de-wormers. They may also be referred to as Florida native or Louisiana native sheep.

The Gulf Coast sheep is relatively small in body size, with refined bone structure. They can reach approximately 3.5 feet in length. Males weigh 120 to 150 pounds; females, 100 to 120 pounds. They have open (wool-free) faces and clean legs. Both sexes can have horns, but ours do not have horns.

Gulf Coast native sheep were bred to easily tolerate the high temperatures and humidity of the southeastern U.S. Thanks to their low-density wool, they are comfortable in summer temperatures.

These sheep live about 12 years. They can breed year-round, rams as early as 4 months old. Ewes usually give birth just once a year. Twins occur very frequently in this breed.

Contact yard animals always have access to a quiet time area when they need a break from human affection. Guests may enjoy time with the animals anytime except during the coldest or rainiest conditions, but it will always be a surprise to find which specific breeds and individual animals are there to greet them.

Gulf Coast native sheep are descended from the stock of sheep first brought to this country by Spanish settlers. They are the oldest type of sheep found in the U.S.

At the Zoo, we offer the goats a varied diet of Bermuda hay, browse (clippings from non-toxic plants across the Zoo), some grain and produce.