Woolma the sheep is a statue that has taken pride of place in front of The Merino Story for the past eight years, much to the delight of tourists and locals alike. However, it was stolen last Tuesday during business hours, leaving The Merino Story without its mascot.
It was looking grim for Woolma, until someone spotted the sheep in the back of a rental vehicle headed towards Queenstown.
Store manager Anna Balloch said Woolma went from there all the way to Christchurch Airport, where the thieves were attempting to take it to Australia.
"The Queenstown police put the word out to airports on Saturday; they tried to leave with her, leave the country."
Mrs Balloch said she was grateful for everyone who got involved with the hunt.
Uncertainty remains around when Woolma will be back in her rightful spot in front of The Merino Story.
But late yesterday it was confirmed Woolma will be heading south like most sheep - in a stock truck.
There have been no arrests.
- APL
