N.J. lawmaker performs C-section on sheep at his zoo, saves two lambs

State Assemblyman Parker Space says the lambs, named Ebony and Ivory, are doing well

WANTAGE -- The owner of Space Farms Zoo and Museum had an unexpected delivery Wednesday.

State Assemblyman Parker Space said he performed a C-section on "Daisy," a five-year-old sheep, and successfully delivered two lambs.

Parker Space and his son, Hunter Space, with Ebony and IvoryPhoto courtesy of Parker Space 

The ewe was euthanized, Space said, adding that without the Caesarean section her lambs also would not have survived.

"She was having complications giving birth," Space said of Daisy.

He was aided in the 10 a.m delivery by his son, Hunter, and his father, Fred Space.

Contacted two hours later, Space said they had named the lambs Ebony and Ivory. Ebony is male and Ivory is female.

Space said he once performed a C-section on an injured deer, but it was his first such procedure on a sheep.

Space said the procedure took "less than a minute."

"You've got to go quick. As soon as the mother is out, they're losing oxygen supply," Space said.

It has been an eventful few days at Space Farms, which sustained some storm damage over the weekend.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find N