Diversity

About Hokonio SheepAbout Hokonio Sheep



Hokonio Sheep are from the Hokonui hills in the heart of Southland, New Zealand, where they have made the rugged and isolated Hokonui Hills their home for more than a century.

At one time more than 2000 Merino sheep roamed the hills. Today only about 100 remain feral. Another 100 to 150 are being retained in domestic flocks.

Wild sheep were known to occur in this area as early as 1863 - only a few years after the first Merinos had been brought to the district.

Re-domesticated Hokonui sheep continue to display feral behavior patterns. They build strong family groups, and quite frequently a junior ram will stand guard over a younger lamb while the mother goes off to feed.

Content and Photo Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds (www.rarebreeds.co.nz).