A tiny lamb with a wobbly gait and a bent neck has captured hearts across the internet, becoming an unexpected social media darling from one of Scotland’s most remote islands.
Nicknamed Wonky, the lamb was born on the Isle of Tiree earlier this spring, appearing fragile and uncertain on her feet — but now she’s thriving, both in the field and online.
Bent, But Not Broken
Wonky’s unusual condition is believed to have been caused by being squashed in the womb by her larger twin brother, leaving her with a crooked neck and an unsteady walk.
Rhoda Meek, who runs a croft on the island, first noticed the little lamb’s difficulties shortly after birth.
“She had a wonky, bent-backed neck and I wasn’t very sure if she’d be able to drink from her mother,” Meek explained.
In those early days, Wonky needed extra help. Rhoda began feeding her by tube and providing round-the-clock care to give her the best shot at survival.
But the resilient lamb quickly defied expectations.
“I started working with her to see if we could get her drinking from her mum – and she has absolutely thrived,” Meek said.
Online Fame from a Windy Hebridean Field
Rhoda, a longtime advocate for rural life and digital storytelling, began sharing photos and updates of Wonky on her social media accounts. The posts, filled with gentle humour and a sense of care, soon began to gain traction.
Wonky’s wobbly trot, wide-eyed gaze, and crooked charm resonated with thousands.
Within days, comments began pouring in from across the UK and beyond, with users cheering on the lamb’s recovery and resilience. Some even called for a children’s book or cartoon based on her.“We all need a bit of Wonky energy in our lives,” one commenter wrote.
“Wonky is the heroine 2025 needs,” said another.
A Croft Life with a Twist
The Isle of Tiree, known for its sweeping beaches and windsurfing, has also become something of a quiet stronghold for traditional crofting life.
In this context, Wonky’s story is a touching glimpse into the day-to-day joys and challenges of raising animals in the Hebrides — and a reminder that sometimes the smallest lamb can leave the biggest impression.“She’s doing great,” Rhoda said. “Her neck is straightening out and she’s now out in the fields with some friends, which is lovely.”
A Symbol of Resilience
While Wonky may have started life with more challenges than most, her story has quickly come to represent hope, care, and the power of a little encouragement.
She might not walk in a straight line, but she’s marching firmly into people’s hearts.
