The intriguing incident in China sparked great interest worldwide. As various theories emerged about the sheep walking in circles for 12 days, this mysterious situation was finally solved. Here are the details and expert opinions on the matter.
The Chinese Sheep Flock and Mysterious Movements
The video captured in Baotou, China, was viewed by millions in a short time. In the footage circulated on social media, the sheep flock walked in circles without stopping for 12 days. Farm owner Miao stated that initially, a few sheep began turning, and then the whole flock engaged in this behavior.
The Reason for the Strange Situation: Different Ideas Emerged
Various ideas emerged about the peculiar movement of the sheep. At first, the situation was thought to be caused by a bacterial disease. However, after it was announced that the animals were healthy, the mystery deepened.
A New Theory: Sheep Turning Due to Stress and Confinement
Professor Matt Bell from the Hartpury University Faculty of Agriculture proposed a new theory regarding the sheep’s behavior. Bell stated that the sheep were stressed because they had been in the same area for a long time and continuously repeated the same movement. Additionally, he explained that some animals were angry due to being confined in a narrow space, leading to this behavior. The other sheep in the flock were simply following them.
Herd Psychology and Protection from Predators
Experts pointed out that sheep generally move together to protect themselves from predators and that this situation is known as herd psychology. This phenomenon partly explains the strange occurrence in China.

The Current Status of the Sheep: Awaiting New Information
Chinese media have not yet provided new information on the sheep’s current condition or whether they have stopped walking. However, the theories and expert opinions put forward have allowed for analysis of this mysterious event.
The Role of Stress and Environmental Factors in Sheep Movements
Behind the intriguing behavior of the sheep, stress and environmental factors also play a role. The lack of appropriate living conditions and continuous stress can lead to sheep exhibiting extraordinary movements. Therefore, providing suitable environments for the welfare of animals is of great importance.
The Importance of Research on Animal Behavior
Understanding animal behavior is essential for improving their lives and providing the right care conditions. For this reason, scientific research on animal behavior and the data obtained from it are of great value in terms of animal welfare. Such research allows gaining knowledge about both the health conditions of animals and their natural behaviors.
Recommendations for Animal Welfare and the Agricultural Sector
Ensuring animal welfare is also of great importance for the agricultural sector. Both monitoring the health conditions of animals and providing environments where they can display their natural behaviors are crucial. To achieve this goal, the following recommendations should be considered:
- Proper living spaces: Living areas where animals can display their natural behaviors and not be stressed should be provided.
- Scientific research: Animal welfare should be ensured by considering research on animal behavior and the data obtained.
- Education and awareness: It is essential to provide education and raise awareness levels for those working in the agricultural sector and farm owners regarding animal welfare.
In conclusion, the mystery of the sheep walking in circles for 12 days has been solved thanks to scientific theories and expert opinions. Such incidents once again demonstrate the importance of research conducted to ensure animal welfare and understand animal behavior.