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Two Legged Lamb
A two-legged lamb born in July to a farmer in China's Shandong province is doing well to have survived as long as it has.
The lamb can stand on its two feet, and is eating well, but vets say the chances of it living until adulthood are remote.
A former veterinary nurse told Weird Asia News that although dogs and cats can survive on two legs, those with hooves have a harder time.
"Part of that is temperament, and part of that is physiology. Hooves are difficult to deal with," she said.
Sheep farmer Cui Jinxiu decided not to kill the lamb at birth despite the defect, and it is being hand-raised.
Apparently the lamb impressed its owner so much with its will to survive, she couldn't bear to kill it.
"He may only have two legs but he gets around very quickly and is pretty steady on his feet. He follows me everywhere and I haven't got the heart to slaughter him," she said at the time.
She said the lamb is friendly and she doesn't think he realises he has a disability.
The risk now though is that the animal will grow too big for its legs to hold, and they could break with the stress.
Sheep can weigh more than 50 kilos and the only option for it to get around could be prosthetic legs or a cart - an unlikely option because of the expense.
The lamb may be donated to an animal sanctuary who decide what is best for him.
