Sheep's Chronicle Unveiled

In the heart of Rivière-des-Prairies, a unique story unfolded at Parc Armand-Bombardier this spring. A shepherd had been caring for a flock of 15 sheep, but an unexpected addition brought the number to 20.

The sheep, divided into two genealogical trees - the caramel-flecked branch and the descendants of Chalette - had found their temporary home in the old hippodrome of the park. However, their stay was not without incident.

Upon arrival, tensions among the sheep were high, leading to fights that scattered and disoriented the flock. Some sheep even sustained injuries. But as the sun set, they were treated with appropriate ointments, with the soothing sounds of crickets in the background.

The following day, peace returned to the flock. The tension decreased, and the fights ceased, indicating a slow re-establishment of order. Yet, upon their return to Maisonneuve Park, the sheep once again engaged in fights to re-establish the hierarchy in the flock.

Interestingly, the shepherd observed that sheep behaviour can be similar to that of humans in certain situations. When threatened, they gather together and stay grouped due to their lack of ability to flee or defend themselves. Despite the non-hierarchical nature of the small ovine society, they re-establish hierarchy quickly in the face of a threat.

Meanwhile, the grasshoppers, who were having a nice evening separate from the sheep, were observed playing leapfrog on the backs of the sheep. The day ended with laughter for the sheep and the grasshoppers, with the old sheep and the grasshoppers finding their rightful places in the flock.

Elsewhere, geopolitical troubles linked to Trump and the war in Ukraine have potentially influenced the legislative elections in Norway. As for our sheep and grasshoppers in Maisonneuve Park, they continue to coexist, providing a daily reminder of the complexities and intrigues of life in even the most unexpected of places.