Animal Protection Organization Seeks Sanctuaries for Catalina Island Buffalo

MILL VALLEY, Calif. – The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy has given In Defense of Animals the opportunity to adopt and relocate 100-150 buffalo to the mainland. IDA is seeking sanctuaries and guardians with suitable acreage for these magnificent animals.

Fourteen buffalo were first introduced to Catalina by a motion picture company for the filming of "The Vanishing American" starring Richard Dix in 1924. Over the years the buffalo have become a tourist attraction on the island. The population has grown beyond what the island can adequately sustain. A recent study by the Conservancy shows that the animals are under the highest stress in late summer and have the highest impact on the island's native vegetation during that period. It is imperative that the relocation take place by August 1, 2003. A managed colony of 100-150 buffalo will remain on the island.

In 1999, IDA successfully relocated 123 endangered feral goats to a Bay Area sanctuary in a cooperative effort with the Catalina Island Conservancy.

IDA is also in the process of raising funds for the transportation of the buffalo to their new destinations. Donations may be made to the IDA Catalina Buffalo Fund, 131 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Those organizations that can provide a home for the historic Catalina Island buffalo please contact Bill Dyer, IDA Regional Director, 310-301-7730 or Bill@idausa.org.

# # #

In Defense of Animals, located in Mill Valley, CA, is a national, animal protection organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare.