In an unexpected turn of events, a routine sheep migration in rural Germany took a bizarre detour straight into the aisles of a discount supermarket. About 50 sheep broke ranks from their larger flock and trotted into a Penny store in the Bavarian town of Burgsinn, creating a scene of bleating chaos that both startled and amused customers.
The Woolly Intruders' Supermarket Foray
The incident occurred on Monday during a seasonal movement of the animals to their winter quarters. Shepherd Dieter Michler was guiding 500 sheep, including ewes and lambs, when a subgroup of around fifty decided to explore alternative routes. According to Michler, the distraction likely began with acorns on the ground before the curious animals followed a person into the store, possibly mistaking a shopping bag for feed.
"I wouldn't have thought it possible that they would voluntarily walk into the supermarket," a surprised Michler later told broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk. For roughly 20 minutes, the sheep milled around the shop, showing a particular interest in the checkout area where staff and shoppers were gathered.
A Trail of Destruction and Delight
While the sheep resisted the temptation to sample the fresh produce, their bulky frames proved problematic for the drinks section. A path of destruction was left as glass bottles and other items were knocked from shelves by the bustling animals. Video footage showed the sheep appearing more inquisitive than distressed amidst the mess.
Remarkably, the approximately 20 customers present took the invasion in their stride. Philipp Stiehler, board chair of the Penny subsidiary, confirmed the shoppers remained calm during the spontaneous animal visit. Staff eventually managed to shoo the sheep back outside by making loud noises, where they were reunited with the main flock in the car park.
Aftermath: Pun-dits and a Positive Outcome
The story quickly captured the national imagination and went viral on social media. The German embassy in London joined in with a playful post on X, joking about "shear mania" in "Baa-varia." Far from seeking compensation for the minor damage, Penny seized the publicity opportunity. The company announced it would not bill the shepherd and instead pledged to sponsor feed for the 50 runaway sheep for an entire year.
Shepherd Michler reported that the animals were unharmed and happy once back with their flock. The incident serves as a light-hearted reminder of the occasional clashes between rural traditions and modern retail, ending with an outcome that left everyone, perhaps even the sheep, satisfied.
