# Shear Delight (DD-178)

> Sheep (Ovis aries) are social flock animals. In a 2001 study, researchers at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge found that sheep could recognize the faces of about 50 other sheep and remember them for up to two years. A 2017 study showed sheep could also learn to recognize photos of familiar human faces. Sheep have a wide field of view and good hearing, including higher frequencies than people can hear. The footage shows sheep in fields and flocks, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature (also Science)
- First published: 2024-01-13
- Last updated: 2024-01-13
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/shear-delight/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-178-F01**: Sheep are social flock animals. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Flock animals))_
- **DD-178-F02**: They recognized about 50 faces in a 2001 study. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (50 faces))_

## Write-up

Sheep can remember 50 other sheep's faces for two years. A 2001 study tested them with photos.

1. **Flock animals**: Sheep are social flock animals.
2. **50 faces**: They recognized about 50 faces in a 2001 study.
3. **Two years**: They remembered them for up to two years.
4. **Human faces**: A 2017 study used human faces.
5. **Hearing**: They hear higher frequencies than people.

## Related case files

- [Sheep Dipping (DD-602)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/sheep-dipping/): I linked more about sheep
- [Based Bunnies (DD-179)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/based-bunnies/): I paired it with another farm and field animal

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Shear Delight: Sheep Can Remember 50 Other Sheep's Faces for Two Years

- Duration: 19.6 s · Published: 2024-01-13
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C2DQEBnpi7e.mp4

### Transcript

Sheep have excellent memories, and can recognize the faces of up to 50 other sheep for several years. DID YOU KNOW? Their social intelligence helps them form strong bonds within their flock, facilitating communication and cooperation in group activities. Additionally, sheep are known for their keen sense of hearing, with the ability to detect high-frequency sounds beyond the range of human hearing. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: How many sheep faces did sheep recognize?**  
A: In a 2001 study. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Flock animals) · Wikipedia: Sheep)_

**Q: How long did they remember them?**  
A: Long memories. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (50 faces) · Nature (2001): Animal behaviour: sheep don't forget a face)_

**Q: Where was the 2001 study done?**  
A: In England. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Two years) · Nature (2001): Animal behaviour: sheep don't forget a face)_

**Q: What did a 2017 study show?**  
A: From photos. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Human faces) · Wikipedia: Sheep)_

**Q: What can sheep hear?**  
A: Good hearing. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Hearing) · Wikipedia: Sheep)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Sheep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheep)
- [Nature (2001): Animal behaviour: sheep don't forget a face](https://www.nature.com/articles/35106649)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Shear Delight." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-178, last updated Jan 13, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/shear-delight/