Killing of zebras near Hearst Castle stirs controversy

Along with hairpin curves and heart-stopping views of the Pacific, motorists on California Highway 1 near the town of San Simeon may catch a glimpse of a most exotic sight: a herd of five dozen zebras grazing in the pastures along the road.

They are what is left of what was at one time the world’s largest private zoo — a menagerie of camels, kangaroos, emus and giraffes that roamed the sprawling estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Most of the animals were sold off in the 1930s. But the zebras remained on the Hearst Ranch and multiplied. They have been known to wander.

Last week three zebras — a buck, a mare and a yearling — escaped from the 128-square mile ranch and wandered down California Highway 46.

On Wednesday two of them turned up in a pasture on David Fiscalini’s cattle ranch, where, he told the San Luis Obispo Tribune, they spooked his horses.

So he raised his shotgun and killed them.

The same day, another rancher shot the third zebra at a ranch nearby.

Many people in rural communities believe a rancher has a right to defend his livestock against intruders -- no matter how rare the  animals are. But Fiscalini’s actions the next day raised eyebrows.

On Thursday he called a local taxidermist and asked him to come out to the ranch. He said he needed someone to skin the zebra and tan the hide so he could make a rug.

“You can’t believe the controversy,” said Rosemary Anderson, whose husband is the taxidermist that handled the zebras.

“It breaks my heart to see it killed, because it’s wanton waste,” she said. “It’s very sad that it wasn’t handled in a different manner, but this rancher felt that was he taking care of his property and getting rid of a predator.”

Stephen Hearst, the great-grandson of William Randolph Hearst, said he was shocked to learn about the killings.

He said the zebras rarely venture outside the fence that surrounds the Hearst Ranch, “but from time to time they do, and neighbors give us a call and we retrieve them.”

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Comments

[alex]

I thought rural folks appeared to be dumb hicks, but were smart. Guess thats a stereotype...in their favor. ;D

[john simms]

Why didn't he just call the owners up and ask them to come and get their zebras? All zebras ever do is eat grass. They're no threat. People like this just like killing things.

[Equal Justice For All]

No better than poachers..

[Olden Atwoody]

David Fiscalini. What an unbelievable fool

[Joe]

UNBELIEVABLE! But not at all surprised at the ranchers mentality. I am very curious to know whether he thought the zebra would make a nice rug before or after he killed.

[Johnson]

I can't imagine the stark terror the errant zebras caused those timid ranchers...and their evan more timid horses.
Good thing they had their shotguns with them. It might have ended with their worthless hides on the zebras' wall.

[nellpost]

this is just wrong! And reminds me of other gun nuts, palin and Texas.

[Sherrie]

I was raised on a ranch and had horses my whole life, horses are heard animals like zebras, yes they may have spooked his horses, but I believe the old school cowboy David Fiscalini who owns Green Valley cattle co. has more than enough experience to seperate the animals. It is possible the long standing differences of opinion on the hearst heirs wanting to build a hotel & golf course since the late 90's and the ranchers oppose. This has obviously affected the neighborly curteous call that should have happened to remove the zebras...he has alot of nerve to make rugs out of them

[Patrick Arrington]

"Herd protection" is a pretty implausible justification for the wanton and callous killing of three harmless exotic animals for sport and trophy.

The deputy quoted as doubting that the shooting was against the law is obviously unfamiliar with California Penal Code 597(a), which provides that one who " maliciously and intentionally kills an animal," regardless whether it is a member of a protected, endangered or threatened species, is subject to punishment by a year in jail and a $20,000 fine. Let's hope the SLO district attorney is more familiar with the Penal Code, and prosecutes these vicious nitwits.

[Rock and Rail]

If the photos are accurate, these are Grevy's Zebras, which are endangered (http://www.awf.org/content/solution/detail/3377). Would this be enough to bring these trigger-happy, rug-wanting "men" up on charges?

[Connie]

This news is so disturbing that I can’t see any justification for allowing the ranchers to get away with this devious violent act. If the state and/or Hearst does nothing, then it could happen again in the future. Calling the zebras predators or threatening to their livestock seems such a huge distortion of the ranching law or intent of the law. Cows and horses can survive being “spooked” as anyone who’s ever been on a farm knows. If nothing else, Hearst Ranch needs to get a mediator and a reasonable agreement in place that they will be contacted in the future if this happens again.

[beyond upset]

I don't normally comment, but this is ridiculous!!!
I know Dave Fiscalini...He is over the top about his "Inherited" land rights, I have seen the results of his handywork before..He has held people at gunpoint that were long time Cambrians he knew personally for riding bicycles crossing his land, and than had them arrested for trespassing. He Has almost broken the hand of a teenager for skateboarding in a drainage ditch that is half on his land and half Caltrans easement. He loves to threaten people with potential gunfire about trespassing on his land, and he always uses the excuse of spooking his animals...I know plenty of other ranchers around here that protect their land and livestock and are reasonable enforcing. He is not at all. I have personally been invited to and on Hearst Ranch many times and have been face to face with these Zebras. While they are a wild herd animal, They graze in peace and harmony on a ranch that has free range cattle everywhere and often people on horses. They do not attack anything, They are no more of a threat than any other grazing animal. Dave did this on purpose and should be persecuted for violation of the animals rights at worst. Even if they are not endangered, they are rare in CA, and common sense would dictate that the privilege we all get to see a native African exotic animal roaming free in California is not one to take for granted.....This is not those ground squirrels you love to spend your days shooting, Dave. This is not a Coyote or wolf or some predator that is actually a threat to your livestock , and you knew it...Shame on you Dave. Shame on you. I really hope you get in big trouble for this,It is wrong!!!! and you have definitely tainted the Fiscilini family name, and I am certain the community of Cambria and San Simeon will think allot less of you now. I would recommend to any business owner that has to deal with him locally, that if you think what he did is flat-out wrong, than you should refuse him service....
The Taxidermy move is totally predictable by this guy

[GreenEyedLilo]

I suppose calling animal control or fixing his fence weren't options. The zebras can't have been too troublesome to the horses--they've dealt with a jackass all their lives.

[Ed]

"Zebras are not endangered. So, give the Rancher a break."

Really? Really? We only give ethical concern to animals who are "endangered"? All the others can be killed wantonly? Your moral development is stunted and that is scary.

Ranchers are less endangered than zebras would you give me a "break" for killing a rancher.

[Shocked]

I am relieved to read that I am not the only person who was disturbed and deeply saddened to read about these horrible poachers who consider themselves ranchers. One violent idiot is bad enough to have as a neighbor but two? Zebra rugs? This is disgusting!

If a peaceful grass grazing Zebra was to "spook" the horses then what would a loud shot gun blast do to the horses? I hope that justice is served and these jerks get ALL that they deserve.

[winters]

"Retreat and reload" must be a cousin of that wacko Sarah Palin. Both ranchers should be arrested for animal cruelty. The fact that zebras are in no way a predator should make these two douche bags spend time in jail.

[A E]

It's so sad. It seems like there are several things going on here:
* Desire to kill sentient beings. Maybe hunters' lust to kill the fellow animals of this earth should be studied. After all, it's known that serial killers start manifesting their desire to kill on animals before they move on to people. The many options available that would have spared the zebras’ lives make it hard to believe that killing was not the prevailing desire of the rancher.
* Coveting his neighbor's property – for a nice African safari-looking rug.
* Gratuitous killing -- we humans are animals yet so many of us still resist the thought that the other animals on this planet also have consciousness and sentience, though they may live and express themselves differently. In my experience, when treated with respect and love, and after observing and somewhat understanding them, animals are so forgiving and loving and incredibly intelligent, maybe even more so than many humans in some if not all of those respects. If, in fact, the zebras were delivered death-shots at point-blank range, it's probably because these zebras were more like pets than wild creatures, who trusted humans and didn't think the man approaching them with the metal stick was about to kill them. The zebras were just being zebras, just as God created them; it’s the human stewards and neighbors who’ve transgressed and should have known better.
* Jealousy of the Hearsts? In fairness, though, maybe the Hearsts should be more diligent about building taller, stronger fences, fences that still allow little critters to pass to and fro but prevent the zebras wandering to their deaths at the hands of bloodlusty neighbors who want exotic rugs that they can get excited about, knowing they killed the animal the skin belonged to, while at the same time sticking their finger in the eye of their prominent neighbors, toward whom they may harbor resentment or jealousy. (It reminds me how Nazis made lampshades from the skins of their concentration camp victims.) The Hearsts need to take seriously their stewardship of their animals, especially given the nature of their neighbors.
* Fear – Does a rancher who owns and knows horses really have that much fear of zebras, who are also equines? Really no idea how to use "superior" human intelligence to somehow wrangle them away from his horses, or his horses away from the zebras? No idea at all how to handle these creatures, with all his ranch experience? Not able to contact the Hearsts to collect their creatures? No other option than to kill? And then make a rug from their carcasses?
These are the kind of incidents that make me weep with shame of being a human. Maybe we really don't deserve this beautiful world and all her inhabitants since we don't know what to do with them.

[A E]

It's so sad. It seems like there are several things going on here:
* Desire to kill sentient beings. Maybe hunters' lust to kill the fellow animals of this earth should be studied. After all, it's known that serial killers start manifesting their desire to kill on animals before they move on to people. The many options available that would have spared the zebras’ lives make it hard to believe that killing was not the prevailing desire of the rancher.
* Coveting his neighbor's property – for a nice African safari-looking rug.
* Gratuitous killing -- we humans are animals yet so many of us still resist the thought that the other animals on this planet also have consciousness and sentience, though they may live and express themselves differently. In my experience, when treated with respect and love, and after observing and somewhat understanding them, animals are so forgiving and loving and incredibly intelligent, maybe even more so than many humans in some if not all of those respects. If, in fact, the zebras were delivered death-shots at point-blank range, it's probably because these zebras were more like pets than wild creatures, who trusted humans and didn't think the man approaching them with the metal stick was about to kill them. The zebras were just being zebras, just as God created them; it’s the human stewards and neighbors who’ve transgressed and should have known better.
* Jealousy of the Hearsts? In fairness, though, maybe the Hearsts should be more diligent about building taller, stronger fences, fences that still allow little critters to pass to and fro but prevent the zebras wandering to their deaths at the hands of bloodlusty neighbors who want exotic rugs that they can get excited about, knowing they killed the animal the skin belonged to, while at the same time sticking their finger in the eye of their prominent neighbors, toward whom they may harbor resentment or jealousy. (It reminds me how Nazis made lampshades from the skins of their concentration camp victims.) The Hearsts need to take seriously their stewardship of their animals, especially given the nature of their neighbors.
* Fear – Does a rancher who owns and knows horses really have that much fear of zebras, who are also equines? Really no idea how to use "superior" human intelligence to somehow wrangle them away from his horses, or his horses away from the zebras? No idea at all how to handle these creatures, with all his ranch experience? Not able to contact the Hearsts to collect their creatures? No other option than to kill? And then make rugs from their carcasses?
These are the kind of incidents that make me weep with shame of being a human. Maybe we really don't deserve this beautiful world and all her inhabitants since we don't know what to do with them.

[Lindsay]

How were Zebras which are used to being around other animals such as cows and horses etc (the hearst ranch has many) in the same fenced in area be a "threat" to his horses? He has how many acres of fast growing grass from the recent rain? There was no threat. This guy simply killed them because he is an idiot who thinks he can do whatever the heck he wants. Then to go ahead and skin them is utterly disgusting! Perhaps that was what he wanted to do the entire time and was waiting for them to trespass just so he could have an excuse to kill them and mount them on his trophy wall. Why wouldn't he just make a phone call if he wanted them removed so badly? He is a crook.

[blip]

I look forward to the day when I see Mr. Fiscalini near my livestock. I'm sure he'd make a charming rug, too.

[M. Nolan]

Quote: "Um, hate to break it to this idiot rancher...but zebras are herbivores and most likely wanted nothing to do with your cattle or your horses.

This is terrible. I'd like to gives this ranchers a good ol' whatfor. Serious, who thinks it's a good idea to shoot a zebra?"

I live up here in San Luis Obispo, where the incident happened. This is not the first time it has happened and personally know a man who had to deal with the zebras the last time they got out. He described them as strong and violent.

Consider this: A zebra, a wild (undomesticated) animal, charges towards a group of horses, which are animals known to spook easily. The ranch where the horses are is right by route 166 and the horses could easily stampede out onto the 166 causing who knows what kind of damage to property and oncoming vehicles.

Zebras being herbivores have nothing to do with it. Zebras are wild animals, and quite violent. They will kick and bite at herd animals who come across them. I am not saying the rancher's actions were completely wise, but become educated about a subject before you blindly post about it, blaming a rancher protecting his property and his animals.

[AJ]

If Mr. Fiscalini thinks zebras are "predators" or (as he was quoted in the LA Times print edition) really believes that "They are wild animals. How are you going to catch them?", then he's in the wrong business. He supposedly raises horses for a living and he doesn't know how to rope a zebra? What a liar. His actions show his goal was to get a "trophy" rug. He and the neighboring rancher involved are the Cruella DeVils of ranching and should both be fined.

[BobbyDias]

William Randolph Hearst jr interupted my working on some of the plant work I was doing at the castle(at no charge) to go with him to a meeting with some neighboring ranchers at a break in the fence, him wanting me to go because I knew them personally and independant of him. With two Fiscalinis present and two Machados there(Gene Machado was there with his father doing all the talking for the ranchers) and other ranchers. When the father of Gene Machado finished William Randolph Hearst jr said only: "If any of our animals get on your land you have our permission to shoot them". Him and I returned to where the foreman was and where the foreman was told to round up the Hearst animals and mend the fence. I did not hear of the subject again until I started reading and hearing the smearing of the ranchers involved and Cambria and others -from coast-to-coast by Hearst! Meeting face-to-face had not worked;now, Hearst is crying why wasn't there another meeting. How many times of Hearst animals crossing over and meetings is it going to take for Hearst to keep their animals on their own land? Grow up Hearst people.

[cindy]

The owner of the zebra is responsible for their deaths. These zebra are no longer part of a “private zoo” and they certainly aren’t pets. They are unmanaged wild animals that are now allowed to run free. According to published reports zebras break through the fences on a regular basis and nothing is being done to correct this. This was not about someone making money off of the hide as you suggest; this was about solving a reoccurring problem that the owners of the zebra were unwilling to solve. For the sake of the remaining zebras I hope that Steve Hearst will tend his fences more closely.

[kelly cole]

I seriously doubt the family of Zebra's were menacing anything (especially the yearling). Using the ranchers' logic; every skateboarder that spooks my dog while were walking is asking for it. Horses get spooked by the darndest things-barn cats, birds, people...apparently all fair game according to these gun carrying citizens. Truly sickening.