Jackie Turner, Timothy's caretaker, tells PEOPLE how the gravely injured newborn ram not only healed against the odds, but inspired millions
Jackie Turner
NEED TO KNOW
- A newborn ram named Timothy survived severe injuries after being mauled shortly after birth
- His caretaker, Jackie Turner, shared his recovery journey online
- A video of Timothy in his cast went viral, bringing in more than 17 million views
A baby ram named Timothy was only hours old when his life nearly ended after he was left broken and bleeding after a sudden attack that no one could have anticipated.
Timothy came into his caretaker’s life within his first 24 hours, after being transferred from another field owner following the traumatic incident. “A visiting dog had never seen a lamb birth before and had an unexpected response,” the caretaker, Jackie Turner, tells PEOPLE, explaining that Timothy suffered seven puncture wounds along with a shattered knee and elbow.
The injuries were severe, and the prognosis was uncertain as the caretaker assumed responsibility for the fragile newborn. Faced with the gravity of Timothy’s condition, she turned to prayer and invited her online community to do the same.
When a viral TikTok video showing Timothy in a cast was first shared, the response was immediate and overwhelming. “On the day the cast video was released, over 1.7 million people started praying,” Turner says.
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Just three days later, the caretaker returned to the veterinarian with cautious hope, but was pleased to learn he was healing well.
“The bones had started correcting themselves,” Turner explains. As his strength grew, Timothy repeatedly kicked off his cast, doing so nearly six times.
Each small milestone became a symbol of resilience, and the caretaker began sharing Timothy’s progress more widely. As the videos spread, followers from around the world tuned in, many finding comfort beyond Timothy’s physical healing. “People’s hearts are healing too,” Turner says, noting that livestream conversations often turn toward faith and restoration.
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Today, Turner says Timothy is thriving. At 63 days old, he weighs around 20 pounds and has transitioned fully into field life. He now roams through vibrant green grass, surrounded by open land, affection and care.
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