A life of wild seclusion has ended for a hermit ram who spent five years on the run in the hills above Taradale.
The South Suffolk-Romney cross was born half a decade ago to a ewe grazing in forest land leased by Bill Hoffman, and managed to evade
capture many times.
But on Thursday, his roaming days came to an end when he was caught carrying a fleece estimated to weigh up to 20kg.
"Several sheep got in there quite a few years ago," Bill explained. "Some of them became hermits, but we got them all back - bar one."
The capture draws parallels with the snaring of Shrek, the Central Otago sheep that made global headlines in 2004 after evading musterers for six years.
Perhaps that's why Bill and his wife Jenny call him Hawke's Bay Shrek, or Cyclops, "because he's a giant," said Jenny.
The hairy beast had often been seen stalking the edges of the pine forest, but any attempts to nab him proved futile.
He was too quick, too agile and knew his habitat too well.
"As the years went by he got more and more cunning," said Bill.
"He would appear out of the forestry, he would come up to the side of the boundary fence where we used to graze sheep for a bit of company. If you got close to him he'd take off."
Bill said the capture of the free-range ram was down to luck more than planning.
"We were just in the right place at the right time, and we had him cornered."
The condition of the animal surprised Bill.
"He's in good order, he's got no dags - he's a magnificent sheep."
But as a productive sheep, he has little value and in normal circumstances would be sent to the works.
However a life of gentle grazing awaits, and after a period of acclimatisation he could be back with other rams, although he's unlikely to be put out with the ewes.
"I imagine he'll be a bit antisocial for a while," said Bill.
One thing Hawkes Bay Shrek won't be able to avoid is a haircut. He will be sheared before a select audience tomorrow morning.
