Gone but not forgotten: Baarack the much-loved Merino sheep

A sheep that made international headlines for its once-massive 35kg fleece has died at Edgar’s Mission in Victoria.

A beloved Merino sheep that made international headlines for his 35kg fleece has died this week, after succumbing to nose cancer.

Baarack was delivered to Edgar’s Mission in Victoria in 2021, after he was found wandering the Cobaw State Forest carrying a woolly coat six years in the making.

Baarack had 35kg of wool on him when found wandering in the Cobaw State Forrest. Picture: Supplied

“My first thought was would he make it. He had so much wool. When he came off the trailer he just sat down, he couldn’t see,” said Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern.

“We knew we had to get the wool off him as a matter of urgency … it took us two hours to get the wool off.”

Baarack captured hearts as his rescue story reached 12 million people across the globe, with his 35kg fleece exhibited at the National Wool Museum in Geelong.

The sanctuary has received an outpouring of support and sympathy since the news of his death, with Baarack’s story being one of the most popular for visitors.

“It’s just so inspirational that he did live, and the amazing sheep that he was,” said Ms Ahern.

“He was a real gentleman of a sheep … incredibly lovely.”

Baarack, after his makeover at Edgar’s Mission. Picture: Supplied

The sanctuary’s tribute post tells of Baarack’s “soft and gentle” nature and his penchant for offering sanctuary staff his endearing toothy grin.

His fleece is currently displayed for visitors at Edgar’s Mission.

Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary for formerly farmed animals, and currently cares for over 400 rescued animals.