A Valais Blacknose Sheep lamb was born on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Rosanberry Tawada English Garden in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. This rare Swiss breed, known for its striking black-and-white markings and fluffy coat, is often referred to as "the cutest sheep in the world."
The lamb's mother was giving birth for the first time and successfully delivered a healthy baby. Under the watchful eye of the animal care staff, she has been nursing and grooming her newborn diligently.
- Date of birth: Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Sex: Female ♀
- Birth weight: approx. 4,500 g
Public Viewing Begins April 3 (Friday)
Public viewing of the lamb is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 3, 2026. Please note that viewing times or the opening date may be changed or cancelled without notice depending on the lamb's health or weather conditions. Check the official website or official SNS channels before visiting.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Wakuwaku Farm (within the Rosanberry Tawada grounds)
Lamb Photo Session During Golden Week
During Golden Week, a special photo session with the lamb will be held. By then, the lamb will be a little bigger and its fleece will be fuller and fluffier.
🐑 Lamb Photo Session
- Dates: Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Fee: ¥500 (tax included)
- Location: Wakuwaku Farm (within the Rosanberry Tawada grounds)
Separate admission fee required. Up to 2–3 photos per group. Participants bring their own cameras. The session may be cancelled or times changed without notice depending on the lamb's health or weather conditions.
More Births Expected in 2026
In addition to this latest arrival, several other ewes are expecting lambs. Updates will be shared on the official website and on the animal care team's SNS accounts.
Follow the animal keepers' official X account Rosanberry Animal Care Team (@rbdoubutugakari) for daily updates on the animals.
The Valais Blacknose Sheep lamb's public debut is planned for Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The debut may be postponed depending on the lamb's health or weather conditions. Please check the official website or SNS before your visit.
About Valais Blacknose Sheep
The Valais Blacknose Sheep is a rare mountain breed from the Valais canton of Switzerland, recognized by its distinctive black face and pure white body. Naturally curious and gentle by nature, the breed is celebrated at an annual sheep festival in the Swiss canton of Valais, where a special award is given in its honor – earning it the title "The Cutest Sheep in the World."
The flock at Rosanberry Tawada (as of March 25, 2026): 10 adults + 1 lamb
Rosanberry Tawada was the first facility in Japan to open this breed to public viewing in January 2023. Lambs were also born that same year, making it the first public display of Valais Blacknose lambs in Japan, which drew great popularity.
Four of the sheep were born in New Zealand; the rest were born at the garden.
| Name | Birth Date | Sex |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew | August 13, 2021 | ♂ |
| Pun | September 29, 2021 | ♂ |
| Melina | November 22, 2020 | ♀ |
| Rachel | November 3, 2020 | ♀ |
| Luna | February 10, 2023 | ♀ |
| Chubby | February 10, 2023 | ♀ |
| Sol | February 15, 2023 | ♂ |
| Meg | March 22, 2024 | ♀ |
| Claris | February 25, 2025 | ♀ |
| Ivy | February 27, 2025 | ♀ |
| (New lamb) | March 22, 2026 | ♀ |
Facility Information
- Name: English Garden Rosanberry Tawada
- Address: 605-10 Tawada, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: Adults (middle school age and above) ¥2,100; Children (age 4 and above) ¥1,000; Children 3 and under free (seasonal pricing applies)
- Closed: Every Tuesday (open on public holidays)
