CALIFORNIA—On Saturday, January 14 at approximately 12:25 p.m., a partially skinned, dead zebra was found on a northern California Beach near Hearst Castle. The zebra was from a herd that roams Hearst Castle’s ranch that was initially brought to California in 1923 as part of Hearst’s private zoo.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department suspect that the zebra died from natural causes—most likely from the stormy weather in the region. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Sgt. Nate Paul stated that it is probable that the zebra washed down from Pico Creek from Hearst Ranch to the rocky beach area where it was discovered according to reports it was discovered.
Though weather may explain the zebra’s death, officials from San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife have not yet determined how the zebra became partially skinned.
A photo of the dead zebra was posted to a Facebook group titled, Cambria Open Forum. The photo was taken by Instagram user, Joe Sassa.
Zebras are private property belonging to the Hearst Castle ranch, it is their decision to launch an investigation.
