While each of our lambs has its own sheep mama, they all share one main human caretaker. Her name? Elaine Shirley. Elaine is the supervisor of Colonial Williamsburg’s Rare Breeds Program and part of her job is managing our flock of roughly 50 sheep, including this year’s 20 pregnant and nursing ewes.
While we are quick to ooh and aah over each adorable addition to the flock—Elaine has been there, done that. She estimates she’s overseen the care and development of 450 lambs over the past 30 years. She is also in charge of all of our chickens and cattle. And just like any good mama, when asked if she has a favorite breed, she told us she really doesn’t. She does however admittedly spend the most time with our Leicester Longwool Sheep. Thank you to Fred Blystone for sharing the below image of Elaine and the triplets!
Elaine grew up on a dairy farm in Maryland and one of her chores as a kid was feeding calves, so she has been around livestock her entire life. In addition to caring for all the animals at work—she also has an old cat at home named Puddin Head. Elaine tells me animals give a rhythm to life and are a “connection to the earth and our ancestors.” And she’s right. If you go back far enough, almost everyone’s ancestors were farmers!
Do you have a question for Elaine? Ask her! That’s right, we will be livestreaming feeding time tonight with the triplets via Periscope. You can watch and commentate! Follow us on Twitter @colonialwmsburg or bookmark this page. We plan to broadcast some time between 4:30 - 5 p.m., rain or shine. If we can’t get to your questions because of the weather, just tweet them to us and we’ll pass them along to Elaine. Remember, you don’t need a Twitter account to join in the fun!
Click here to find out what a typical morning is like for Elaine as she checks on the sheep. Plus, you can learn more about how she’s working to save this dying breed!
Patricia L. Higgins says
I would love to have an opportunity to gain some education from Ms Shirley as I begin the process of starting my own flock in Central Virginia. Are there any classes or information sessions about acquiring and raising Hog Island sheep or Leicester Longwools? Thank you kindly for a reply.
Patricia Leonard Higgins, Gordonsville
Sugar, Spice, and Nice names for the triplets..
Lamb naming contest: Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail
James, York & William
Laverne,Shirley, and Squiggy
Or
Thelma,Louise,and Gatsby
Elaine you are so fortunate to be able to work with and take care of Colonial Williamsburg’s rare breeds. I’m a little partial to the sheep; they are so precious and cute. Thank you for Elaine and Colonial Williamsburg for taking care of rare breeds.