Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (December 31, 2025) – On the eve of the New Year, resolutions abound. At Helen Woodward Animal Center each of the 14 departments – focused on making the world a better place for people and pets – have been preparing their lists of ways to make 2026 even more rewarding. In the Center’s Humane Education department, the arrival of two brand-new, fluffy animal ambassadors has guaranteed a special 2026. Helen Woodward Animal Center is proud to introduce the public to Chewie and Wicket, two rare breeds of sheep, ready to delight animal-lovers of all ages.
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Chewie and Wicket are each a unique heritage line of sheep. Chewie is a Harlequin and Babydoll blend, while Wicket is a Babydoll. Both varieties are specifically domesticated to be companion animals. Although they do produce fine, soft wool with a texture and feel similar to cashmere, these breeds are most valued for their calm, easy-going temperaments, making them ideal for interactions with young children. Plus, they are not easily startled, allowing them to comfortably interact in group settings, despite potential laughter and delighted shrieks of children. Harlequin and Babydoll sheep typically remain smaller in height (between 18 and 24 inches), making them more approachable for kids, especially those who may be timid around new animals.
Chewie and Wicket were both relinquished from a farm in Ramona. The owner of the farm wanted to make sure these loveable, wooly animals lived a happy life, and received great care – so they were donated to the Center.
The over 80 Animal Ambassadors at Helen Woodward Animal Center are very much a part of the mission of “people helping animals and animals helping people.” Each individual animal teacher is specifically “interviewed” to make sure they enjoy the hands-on interactions with over 4500 critter campers who will come through the program each year. Their presence and interactions are a special way children learn about the importance of every living creature and the respect and kindness we, as human beings, should provide them. For this reason, each new addition is a very important part of the work done at the Center and deserves a special introduction.
“Chewie… short for Chewbacca – got his name because of how fluffy and hairy he is like Chewbacca in Star Wars,” said Humane Education Camp Lead Caitlin Campbell. “In addition, he makes loud, crunchy, snacking sounds while eating, which is totally adorable and adds a calming, soothing, and relaxing ambiance to the campus environment. Wicket was then named after one of the fluffy Ewoks in Star Wars. He is our tiny teddy bear. He’s so little and playful. We know these two are going to be a big hit with the kids and when children’s hearts open up to any of our animal ambassadors, it allows us to expose them to even more species they may never have learned to love and respect. These guys are going to be a huge part of making the world a more humane place.”
Chewie and Wicket are still getting comfortable in his new surroundings, but they are looking forward to teaching students in 2026, guaranteeing a very EWE YEAR.
If you would like to stay caught up with the Center’s extra fluffy and furry new friends, and learn about the education opportunities where your campers could meet them, visit https://animalcenter.org/education.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.
