Not many sheep (and other 'farm' animals) have the privilege of reaching old age because humans tend to murder them early. The average lifespan of a sheep is 12-14 years. Sheep bred for “meat” are usually slaughtered at the tender age of 4-12 months, whereas those bred for wool are slaughtered in the prime of their life, when they are around 6 years old. In all animal societies (with the exception perhaps of humans) older animals are treasured as repositories of ecological, social and other knowledge that is then passed on to younger generations. This section features stories of the lucky ones who lived out their lives as nature wanted it.