Six-legged calf defies survival odds to become Swiss national treasure: Mark Molloy

Six-legged calf defies survival odds to become Swiss national treasure

Holy cow! A rare six-legged calf named Lilli, who was given no chance of survival by vets, has defied the odds to become a national celebrity in Switzerland.

Six-legged calf Lilli has survived against the odds (Picture: EPA/Peter Schneider)

After being born with a rare genetic disorder which left the animal with two extra limbs, vets feared the worst for the baby calf.
However, it seems seven-week old Lilli is made of stronger stuff - despite having two extra limbs attached to her back - after being snapped running around a sunny field in the agricultural Swiss outpost of Weissenburg.
The survival story has captured the hearts of the triangular chocolate producing nation and Lilli was featured in popular daily newspaper Blick earlier this week.
Lilli has become a national celebrity in Switzerland (Picture: EPA/Peter Schneider)

Since then, the young brown-and-white calf has hit headlines around the world and become a global internet sensation.
Farmer Andreas Knutti revealed he couldn't bring himself to euthanise the animal because she was 'so full of life'.
'She was so alive, so impetuous,' said the farmer.
'Even if she is not a normal milking cow, I do not want to get rid of her. Perhaps we will find a zoo for her.'
Lilli's additional legs are the result of a genetic mutation (Picture: EPA/Peter Schneider)

Vet Auto Zardiashvili believes the curve in her spine caused by the genetic defect means she will never be a normal milking cow.
He also explained the mutation may be due to issues at conception.
'Most probably there were twins, but then the embryos were united and we've got a strange lamb,' Mr Zardiashvili said.
Mr Knutti says he expects Lilli to join her family when they head for higher Alpine pastures this summer - a centuries old Swiss tradition.
VIDEO:
Watch Lilli frolicking in the Swiss Alps