A facility specifically designed for the disabled recently received two more animals for their new petting zoo.

The Windreach Recreational Village petting zoo, home to a number of barnyard animals, is scheduled to open on October 1.

As an enhancement to their facility -- which already offers a range of activities such as special playground and horse riding -- Windreach this week gladly accepted the sheep as a combined donation from the Maritime Museum and the Ireland Island Shell service station.

Lambchop and Peggy, considered by Museum Development director Jacqueline Horsfield as the "perfect candidates for a disabled facility'', were taken to their new home on Tuesday.

"We figured since Peggy has a pin in her leg and is therefore disabled, so to speak, and that they are both tame, friendly animals, they were perfect for Windreach,'' Mrs. Horsfield explained.

Three years ago, in an attempt to stop the Museum's flock from breeding, the nearby Shell station offered its support.

Shell staff members, in particular superintendent Ricky Powell, took over the responsibility of caring for the rams while the ewes remained "on top of the hill'' overlooking the Museum.

However, a few months ago, Mr. Powell informed the Museum of Shell's plans to improve their facility. "With all the work going on around here, we didn't think it was safe (for the sheep) to be around,'' Mr. Powell said.

With their best interests kept in mind, Lambchop and Peggy were relocated to the Windreach petting zoo in order to "further benefit'' the disabled community.

"We (Museum staff) were sad to see them go. They were our silent lawn mowers.

But we know that they will be well taken care of, appreciated and loved,'' Mrs. Horsfield said.

Windreach activity director Ann Lindroth assured both the Shell and Museum staff that the sheep were "settling down very well''.

"We're looking forward to the opening of our petting zoo so everyone can enjoy them as much as we are,'' Mrs. Lindroth said.