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Rare Sheep Arrive at Ukrainian Village Two rare Oxford sheep now call the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village home after being donated to the Alberta historic site in mid-January. The livestock are the only registered sheep of this breed in western Canada.
Photograph reprinted with the permission of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village The sheep were donated by Mr. Russ Dow of Bowmanville, Ontario, a well-known sheep breeder and judge, and the chairman of Rare Breeds Canada. Mr.Dow facilitated the donation because he recognizes the important role of preserving heritage breed animals and wants to ensure that this breed of sheep is not lost. The village was chosen as a host site because of its commitment to authenticity in its "living history" approach to interpretation as it portrays a Ukrainian settlement at the beginning of the 20th century. "This breed was once the third most commonly registered sheep in all of Canada," says Anne-Marie Koeppen, head of the farm program. "We’re delighted with this generous offer and are pleased that these animals will help round out the historic livestock program at the village." The Oxford sheep was primarily a breed that was used for meat purposes, yet had an improved quality of fleece, which the traditional Down Breeds such Hampshires and Suffolks lacked. The donated sheep, both bred ewes, will lamb in early April just in time for the height of the school program season. Student visitors will be encouraged to enter a "Name That Ewe" contest. For more information,
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