Champion Shearer Removes Record-Breaking Fleece

A merino sheep from Canberra claimed the unofficial world record for the heaviest fleece on Thursday, September 3. The RSPCA called in champion shearer Ian Ellkins to save Chris the sheep, who was reportedly struggling to move under the weight of his woolly coat. The fleece weighed 40.5kg, smashing the previous 27kg record set by a New Zealand sheep Shrek in 2004. RSPCA officials estimate that Chris managed to escape shearing for over five years. Credit: RSPCA