Michelle

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."

"Sheep are Highly Adept at Recognizing Faces, Study Shows," National Geographic News, Bijal P. Trivedi, November 7, 2001.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1107_TVsheep.html

"That Face: Sheep, People Recognize Faces in Similar Ways," abc News, Amanda Onion, November 7, 2001.

"Sheep don't forget a face," Nature, Keith Kendrick et al., November 8, 2001. http://www.nature.com