One of Kaniva’s beloved sheep was forcibly removed between Friday 12 noon and Saturday 12.30pm, 20th May 2023.

The sheep was situated near the bird aviary at the Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park and is a part of the Sheep Art Trail that connects the park and the Silo Art to the main street.

The distinctive sheep features a sunset, simple bush camping, campfire and starry nights reminiscent of the Big Desert.

Ironically the sheep, which was painted for the Telopea Downs Landcare group, was a replacement after the original one was stolen in Feb 2020.

After an unsuccessful appeal to locate it, the Kaniva & District Progress Association gave up all hope of finding it.

Local artist Michelle Gibson then kindly offered to repaint another version for the group which was then re-installed as part of the trail and paid for out of general funds.

The original sheep was located by Naracoorte Police nearly two years later, in December 2021 and returned to the mob near the Billyho Sheep.

All of the sheep are painted by local volunteers and the project has been funded by the local community over the last twelve years.

The Kaniva Sheep are well-loved by young children, locals and visitors.

If you saw anything suspicious or know the whereabouts of the now one legged sheep, please contact the local police or Kaniva & District Progress Association Helen Hobbs on 0429 888 250 or email kanivaprogress@gmail.com.

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 24 May 2023.