IT HAD TO BE EWE British scientists have found that sheep are able to correctly recognize at least 50 different sheep
faces and profiles, and remember them for over 2 years. Preliminary evidence suggests sheep may also
be able to form mental images of absent sheep. Lead researcher Keith Kendrick contends, "If sheep have
such sophisticated facial recognition skills, they must have much greater social requirements than we
thought." The sheep were also able to retain memories of familiar people. It is thought that other
species with keen vision, including cows, horses and monkeys, likely also have the same ability. Kendrick
said his studies prove the intellect of sheep should not be overlooked. The study is reported in this
week's issue of "Nature."
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