Germany Assembles 700 Sheep & Goats To Form ‘Syringe’ To Encourage Vaccines
In a bid to promote COVID-19 vaccinations following a surge in infections, Germany has ram(p)ed up public health campaign efforts. One of its most dramatic stunts thus far involves assistance by a whole herd of livestock.
As reported by the Associated Press, 700 sheep and goats were enlisted to gather into the shape of a giant syringe in a field at Schneverdingen, located south of Hamburg, on Monday. Measuring 330 feet, the sight was visible from the sky.
Getting the hundreds of animals to cooperate was easier than expected. Although shepherd Wiebke Schmidt-Kochan had rehearsed the flash mob with the herd days ahead, all it took was a layout of pieces of bread on the field to lure the sheep and goats into getting into formation, news agency dpa is quoted to have reported.
The initiative’s organizer Hanspeter Etzold is hoping that the hesitant will open their hearts regarding vaccinations when they see these endearing creatures. “Sheep are such likeable animals—maybe they can get the message over better,” says Etzoid.
As of Monday, 71.2% of the German population have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, with 38.9% having gotten a booster shot.
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[via NPR, Associated Press, The Drum, images via various sources]
