Lamb has a close shave on railway tracks, and recovers in SPCA’s care

After being clipped by a train on the Waikanae line, the driver immediately stopped and called the Council to report the incident and request help for the animal.

The Wellington City Council Animal Services team brought the lamb - later named Shorna - into our care.

“She’s very lucky to be alive,” says Rebecca, Masterton Centre Manager. “Thankfully she wasn’t directly hit, but just clipped.

“Her left eye was unfortunately injured and prolapsed, but our team at the Wellington Centre looked after her. She still seemed to be a happy, playful lamb.”

Shorna needed to complete the seven-day stray hold time to see whether anyone would come forward to claim her, before a longer-term plan could be made.

“She spent the first day at the Wellington Centre – she was bottle-fed, and loved all of the attention and company,” Rebecca said. “One of our vet nurses took her home for the night. Then she went to a vet’s rural property to complete the remainder of the stray-hold time, so that she could feel more at home.”

When the seven-day period was complete, Shorna was relocated to our Masterton Centre, as they had another lamb (named Aggie) in their care. Aggie had recently been shared on our social media channels for her love of hopping!

“We thought it would be nice for the two lambs to be together,” says Rebecca. “They certainly seem to enjoy each other’s company and love playing together!”

After seeing the two lambs together, Rebecca herself made the decision to give both lambs a forever home, once they're ready and fully recovered.

A spokesperson for KiwiRail says Shorna’s incident is a timely reminder for farmers to check their fencing near railway lines, as drivers have spotted stock on lines on more than one occasion - and not all animals are as lucky.

We'd like to take the opportunity to thank KiwiRail, Transdev, and Wellington City Council's animal team for assisting with Shorna's care throughout her journey.