Woolma the sheep is a statue that has taken pride of place in front of The Merino Story for the past eight years, to the delight of tourists and locals alike.
But last Tuesday, everything changed.
Retail assistant Kendra McMath said she noticed something was amiss about 2pm. Ms McMath said she reached out over social media to see if anyone knew where Woolma was.
It was looking grim for Woolma, until the sheep was spotted in the back of a rental vehicle, headed towards Queenstown.
Manager Anna Balloch said Woolma was saved at Christchurch Airport, where it was allegedly being taken to Australia.
‘‘The Queenstown police put the word out to airports on Saturday.’’
Mrs Balloch said she was grateful for everyone who got involved with the hunt for Woolma.
‘‘It’s amazing. We have had so many people coming in, asking if we’ve found it.’’
Mrs Balloch said after Woolma’s adventure, they were unsure about security measures. but there was one thing they knew for certain.
‘‘She’s going to need a good wash, definitely,’’ she said.
It is unsure when Woolma will be back in her rightful spot out front of The Merino Story, but Mrs Balloch said police had a suggestion to get her back from Christchurch.
‘‘Get a stock truck to bring her down, there’s plenty heading down this way.’’
