Picture: KATE HILL
ARGUABLY one of the Limestone Coast’s most iconic agricultural celebrities is looking for community help to build a home.
Gigantic in both size and stature, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched for Big Moo to construct an all-weather proof shelter to protect him from the gale-force winds to blistering summer sun which scorches the region.
The steer’s owner Jo Vine said Big Moo had raised thousands of dollars for charity, with the idea of a fundraiser of his own sparked from fan suggestions.
“Our estimates put the cost for an all-weather and gale-proof structure at $10,000, which includes a polycarbonate roof and cement floor,” she said.
“We believe Big Moo belongs to the people and although we do not like asking for payment to see him, we would like to see people power build Big Moo his big shed.
“We would like to involve the community in any way we can, even throw a shed opening ceremony and have a binder twine cutting ceremony by Moo himself.”
The introduction of a level concrete slab in the paddock could also help settle debate as to whether Big Moo is worthy of the Guinness Book of World Records entry, with an official measurement planned to see just how close the estimates of 190cm tall are.
“Big Moo was born with gigantism, a condition caused by an overload of growth hormone by the pituitary gland,” Ms Vine said.
“He has arthritis in his joints so he has regular injections and we are very lucky he has sponsorship by animal health company 4Cyte for his special joint medication.
“Big Moo also gets sore feet from laminitis and this is where a shed with a concrete floor will help tremendously – it will help keep his feet dry and in good condition.”
Ms Vine said although Big Moo sounds like he is suffering from poor health, he was “bright as a button.”
If funded, the shed will also be transformed into a Moo Museum once Big Moo’s time on earth is up for people to sign the walls inside and have a mural of Moo to remember him by.
“But we hope that is a long time away,” she said.
“In the meantime, we want Big Moo to live out his life comfortably at Glencoe, with our family and we appreciate any assistance people are able to give.”
To donate to Big Moo’s big shed, visit the GoFundMe website.
