Sheep are often portrayed as docile, weak animals that live mainly on quiet pastures and seem to have nothing to do with the hustle and bustle of modern society.

However, this seemingly ordinary animal possesses many traits and abilities that are beyond our imagination. From cognitive abilities to emotional experiences, sheep show unexpected complexity and wisdom.

First of all, sheep's cognitive abilities far exceed the expectations of people. In 2001, British biologist Keith Kendrick and his team's research at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China revealed the face recognition ability of sheep.

The study found that sheep can remember and recognize at least 50 different human faces, and this memory ability can last for more than two years. In contrast, this memory lasts longer than many humans' facial memory.

In the experiment of Kendrick's team, sheep were trained to identify specific individuals of 25 pairs of sheep, and they would receive food rewards if they succeeded.

The study also showed that sheep can distinguish facial expressions and give different reactions to expressions such as smiles and frowns. Kendrick pointed out that this shows that the sheep's brain structure enables them to have emotional reactions to the world they see.

In addition to face recognition, sheep have also shown amazing abilities in solving complex problems. Caroline Lee of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) of Australia studied the intelligence of sheep and found that sheep can find the exit from a complex maze.

In the experiment, when a sheep was placed as a target at the end of the maze, the subject sheep successfully found the exit of the maze by observing the target position. This ability shows that sheep have a fairly high level of learning and memory.

The social behaviour of sheep is also worthy of attention. More than 20 years ago, researchers at the University of California observed rams for three years and found that rams were able to establish deep friendships and support each other when needed.

The study found that when weaker companions were bullied, other rams would step in and help. This long-term relationship and mutual support behaviour show the loyalty and emotions of sheep in social interactions.

In terms of emotional experience, sheep also show a rich inner world. In a 2009 report, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) noted that sheep are capable of experiencing a range of complex emotions, including fear, anger, despair, boredom, and happiness.

Researchers found that sudden disturbances when sheep were accessing food in a food trough triggered a pronounced fear response. Specifically, when the blower above the trough was suddenly turned on, the frequency of the sheep's bleating increased fourfold, and their heart rate also increased.

This sensitive response to sudden situations shows that sheep can not only perceive and process complex environmental stimuli but also show emotional states similar to humans.

In addition, sheep's playful behaviour also reflects their unique personality. In a famous video, the scene of sheep jumping on the bed shows their happiness and joy in entertainment and social interaction.

Sheep are more than just docile herbivores. Their cognitive abilities, social behaviours, and emotional experiences all show a complexity beyond appearances. They can recognize and remember multiple faces, solve mazes, form deep friendships, and experience a wide range of emotions.

These traits suggest that sheep have a more colourful inner world than we thought. By studying sheep in-depth, we can not only better understand the behaviour and psychology of these animals, but also have a more comprehensive understanding of their role in nature.