About 50 sheep broke away from their flock and stormed a discount supermarket in the German town of Burgsinn, Bavaria, on Monday, causing chaos in the drinks section before being coaxed out after 20 minutes. The animals, part of a seasonal migration of 500 ewes and lambs, entered a Penny retail chain store, startling and delighting customers.
Penny's statement noted it was unclear if the sheep sought specific offers or just warmth, but they seemed drawn to the checkout area. Witnesses reported the sheep resisted nibbling fresh produce but knocked glass bottles and products off shelves in the drinks section. Video showed the animals bleating but appearing curious rather than anxious.
Philipp Stiehler, board chair of Penny's southwest Germany subsidiary, said the approximately 20 customers present took the incident in stride. After staff made loud noises to shoo them out, the sheep rejoined their flock in the car park. The German embassy in London posted a pun-filled message on X, calling it a 'ram-page' in 'Baa-varia'.
Shepherd Dieter Michler told Bayerischer Rundfunk he believed acorns distracted some sheep, leading them astray. He speculated they followed a customer into the store, mistaking a bag for feed. Michler expressed surprise they entered voluntarily but confirmed the animals were happy once back with the flock. Penny dismissed billing for damages, instead offering to sponsor feed for the runaways for a year.
