An abandoned lamb born at Uralla Central School in New South Wales has been adopted by teachers and students, who are hand-raising him in the classroom.
Sam was born on Sunday at the school’s agricultural farm, but his mother gave more attention to his twin and left him alone in the paddock.
Teachers found the lamb crying and discovered he was following people rather than the flock. He is now being fed formula and cared for by pupils from kindergarten through to Year 12.
“It was really sad, he was wailing about a bit,” teacher Jessica Burton said.
“I was a bit worried, there was a mum who just forgot he had existed. He was following me, not the mums.”
Sam has quickly become a popular presence around the school, with pupils describing him as calm and affectionate.
“He’s just really relaxed all the time,” one student said.
Another said: “He’s a great little lamb, he follows you around and just wants to be there with you. He goes wherever you go.”
The school has more than 18 ewes as part of its agricultural programme, which teaches pupils about the wool industry. Sam’s arrival has given those lessons a more hands-on focus, as students take turns feeding him and giving him attention.
The young lamb has also become a quiet companion for pupils, regularly falling asleep on their laps during lessons.
“I think the context of Sam makes him special, he can be utilised on so many levels — whether it’s a kid having a hard time and just needs some quiet time,” agriculture teacher Louise Upjohn said.
Ms Burton said pupils had responded with both enthusiasm and care.
“Just seeing the kids so calm knowing there is a baby around surprised me really,” she said. “They have all been really excited but also really respectful.”
Principal Brad Hunt said Sam had become a favourite across the school.
“Little Sam the lamb is very, very popular, very, very famous, very, very liked at this point in time,” he said.
Sam will remain with his classroom carers while he needs regular feeds. Over the next few weeks, he is expected to be introduced back to the flock and continue as part of the school’s agricultural programme.
“When he requires less feeds what I am hoping to do is reintroduce him back over to the rest of the flock and go back in that program where we will be preparing those lambs for comps next year,” Ms Upjohn said.
