Published 13:59 IST, July 19th 2019
Tour De France? Flock of Sheep completes 12-day Paris darshan
A flock of sheep which had ventured out on a 12 day long journey around the majestic city of Paris concluded their 140km long expedition on the river of Siene on July 17.
A flock of sheep which had ventured out on a 12-day long journey around the majestic city of Paris concluded their 140km long expedition on the river of Siene on July 17.
The project was organised by the 'Urban Shepherds' collective, to encourage cities to rethink urban and rural divides and integrate more farm animals into day-to-day life. The event had commenced on July 6th in Seine-Saint-Denis and after 12 long days of grazing in public parks of the cities, it was brought to an end on July 17.
Guided by two shepherds, the flock of 25 sheep traversed over 34 towns. They were also monitored by policemen on scooters and volunteer walkers on foot who helped them cross roads as they moved around the French capital.
Recounting their experience of minding the flock of sheep and also justifying their intent behind such an initiative, Julie-Lou Dubreuilh, co-founder of Urban Shepherds told the meida: "For us, the most important thing is to show that it’s possible to have sheep in the city. The idea is to show there is a new up-and-coming profession. It is possible to create exceptional micro-sectors of meat production, while ensuring that green spaces are maintained, like we’ve done in the last three years.”
The presence of livestock strolling around the streets of Paris caught the attention of many, amused Parisians and motorists with some going to the extent of taking pictures or bleating in support.
Inspired by the event held in Paris, groups in Lyon, Marseille and Bruxelles are also experimenting with urban sheep.
Updated 17:16 IST, July 19th 2019