Firefighters rescue 220-pound ram after getting stuck hiding from 9 amorous ewes

A 220-pound ram named Rambo in Somerset, England, had to be rescued by firefighters after getting stuck in a concrete culvert while apparently trying to get away from nine amorous ewes.

Here's what to know

According to The Mercury, Bex Maynard, who runs Western Farm in Kingsdon, Somerset, said Rambo went into the pipe to get a break from his "romantic duties."

Firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called on September 13 and used "a number of different pieces of equipment" to slide the ram out.

Crews used chimney rods and ropes, and placed a heart sheet under the ram to help move him safely. Maynard said the ram was "completely unharmed" and later rejoined his nine ewes. Maynard added, "Judging by Rambo's expression afterwards, he emerged considerably less concerned by the whole episode than everyone else involved."

More background

Culverts, drainage pipes, and gaps under bridges can become hazards when a large animal squeezes into a space it cannot back out of.

According to the fire service, the rescue's "unique nature" meant the crew had to improvise with the equipment available on the fire engine.

In Maynard's telling, Rambo currently has "nine rather amorous ewes all competing for his undivided attention" and "a chap is entitled to a little peace and quiet occasionally."

What's being done?

Afterward, Maynard secured the culvert entrance with a gate and mesh to prevent a repeat.

Maynard joked, "Rambo maintains that he was simply taking a well-earned break from his romantic duties while simultaneously inspecting the structural integrity of the bridge from underneath."

She added: "We really cannot thank the crews enough for coming out, taking such care of the daft bugger and getting him safely out."

Where can I learn more?

Animal rescues like Rambo's can turn delicate fast. These stories follow responders and caretakers as they deal with trapped, stranded, or unruly animals in places from Spokane Valley to Kenya.

• Wildlife hospital rescuers used trial and error to free a fox cub from bitumen.

• In Spokane Valley, a moose stuck in a pond finally climbed out after five hours of failed rescue efforts.

• In Florida, a 300-pound boar burst into a home and charged deputies.

• In Kenya, keepers guided bull elephants through floodwaters after the animals lost their way.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.