We all know about sheep and one specific thing about them — they tend to follow each other. If one sheep in front of a group walks in a particular direction, the entire flock follows the leader. This behavior helps ensure that no sheep are lost while grazing. However, this same instinct has also cost the lives of many sheep during predator attacks or accidents.
A similar incident occurred in Turkey, where more than 1500 sheep jumped off a cliff while following one another. In a village in Turkey, over 15000 sheep had gone out to graze on a hill about 15 meters above the ground. One sheep decided to jump off the cliff, landing safely on the stones below. According to reports, the first sheep survived the fall, but the rest of the flock blindly followed — leading to a massive tragedy as hundreds of sheep died after falling from the cliff.
This shocking incident took place in 2005, and local media covered it extensively. According to reports, the sheep from the entire village had gone grazing together in the hilly area. Following the first jumper, more than 15000 sheep leaped off the cliff. Sources revealed that around 400 sheep died instantly in the 15-meter fall — their bodies forming a cushion that saved the remaining 1,100 sheep. The incident happened in the eastern Van province of Turkey. Reports estimated that the villagers collectively lost sheep worth around £42,000.
This incident also teaches an important lesson — we should not follow others blindly. Sheep might not have the intelligence of humans, but they are social animals whose instinctive unity often keeps them together and prevents them from getting lost. However, this same herd mentality can lead to disasters like this one. Despite being an older incident, this tragic story is still discussed even in 2025, with many people on social media remarking how it symbolizes the danger of blind following.
This unbelievable news was also reported by BBC News.
