Lily the sheep arrived at Sheffield’s Graves Park Animal Farm in 2006“Hand-reared from such a young age, Lily formed a very special bond with the farmers and became a firm favourite with both staff and visitors”(Image: Sheffield City Council / Graves Park Animal Farm)

A Sheffield farm has announced the tragic death of their “most loved” Sheep, who was found 18 years ago by police, roaming the moors.

Graves Park Animal Farm, run by Sheffield City Council, have paid tribute to the “truly unforgettable” Lily – an 18-year-old one-eared sheep, who was loved by both “staff and visitors”.

Announcing her death yesterday (December 17), Staff at Graves Park Animal Farm explained how Lily had been a staple of the farm since 2006 – after she was found by police, following a dog attack after she was stolen from her mother at just one day old.

With a “heavy heart” staff made the announcment to Facebook, which read: “Lily, our much-loved one eared sheep, has passed away.

“Lily arrived at the farm in 2006 as a tiny, day-old lamb after being attacked by a dog, which sadly left her with just one ear. After numerous veterinary visits and extensive care, she made a remarkable recovery and went on to spend her entire life at the animal farm.

“Hand-reared from such a young age, Lily formed a very special bond with the farmers and became a firm favourite with both staff and visitors. Her gentle nature and unique character made her truly unforgettable.”

Paying tribute, the post garnered almost 1000 interactions from devastated visitors to the farm.

Writing to Facebook, Karen Thistlewaite wrote: “Was only during the Summer we were admiring her. Such a beautiful old girl. She may have had a bad start when first born but what a wonderful life she had after at Graves Park surrounded by people who loved her so much. Rest in Heavenly Peace Lily.”

Meanwhile, visitor Sara Marshall Page wrote: “Oh my gosh, what sad news. My kids and I felt quite attached to Lily whilst visiting the farm. She really touched our hearts with her story. Such a sweet girl , thank you for giving her a good life / home , RIP Lily.”

Lily lived out her 18 years at Graves Park Animal Farm – a free-entry attraction in Sheffield, part of the larger Graves Park, owned by Sheffield City Council.

“Lily really touched our hearts with her story”(Image: Sheffield City Council / Graves Park Animal Farm)

Get all the latest and breaking Sheffield news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.

Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phone

Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.

If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.