The Life and Death of Canyon Colorado Equid Sanctuary

Wisp O' Mist

Well-Known Member
[Or how the death of an eccentric rich man led to various species of endangered equines entering the US exotic animal trade.]

Now, many of you are probably wondering "Haven't I read this thread before?". Well, you have, in a way.

Earlier this summer, I did start a thread about how two Przewalski's horses had been recently found at two different US livestock auction houses.

Intrigued by Shrek and Fiona's story, I set out to find out exactly how the Przewalski's horse came to be in the private trade. And I think that I've done it! Mostly? As much as I can via creative googling, at least.

While my earlier thread did dive into much the same topic, I have since found out much more information about Canyon Colorado Equid Sanctuary, so...

I figured that an "update" of sorts would do. Since, over the course of my research, I discovered many a twist and turn, I decided that creating a new thread would be best. My original thread will continue to chronicle Shrek and Fiona's journey, this thread will be about Canyon Colorado and it's history.

And please, sit back and enjoy!

Timeline

Summer of 1978: William Gruenerwald buys an isolated cattle ranch outside of Wagon Mound, New Mexico. He devotes over 6,000 acres of it to the preservation of endangered species of equid. He installs high fences around the property and has heated barns built throughout the individual paddocks. At some later date, housing and even an airport is built on the site.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf
Source: Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Northeastern New Mexico

August 1978: First equines arrive at CCES; 8 Grevy’s zebra from a safari park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

June 24, 1980: CCES is incorporated. At a later date, a non-profit foundation is established and a board of directors is appointed to run the sanctuary in the event of Gruenerwald’s death. (Ann O. Maurer, Carole K. Carlson, and Catherine M. Skilsa?)

Source: Company Search Subscription Service
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

March 15, 1983: 15 Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra from Namibia arrive at CCES. They join 15 already on the property, sourced from Jurgen C. Schulz - An animal dealer.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HMZ-Studbook-2021-.pdf

1985: CCES contributes computer-generated studbook analyses to FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH PAPER - 61 “The Przewalski horse and restoration to its natural habitat in Mongolia”.

Source: https://www.fao.org/4/AC148E/AC148E00.htm

November 1986: Dr. Chryssee Bradley Martin and Dr. Esmond Bradley Martin visit CCES. They note that there are 31 Grevy’s zebra, 50 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 23 Turkmenian kulan, 2 male Persian onagers, 2 Przewalski’s horses (From Memphis Zoo), and 3 Somali wild ass on the property.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

At some point between December 1986 and 1989 a third Przewalski’s horse arrives on the property. (From Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

1989: 8 more Przewalski’s horses are transferred from US zoos to CCES.

(From Minnesota Zoo, Topeka Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

November 30, 2000: A USDA inspection report lists 67 Grevy’s zebra, 202 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 183 Turkmenian kulan, 16 Persian onager, 8 Somali wild ass, 44 Przewalski’s horses, and three Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000-2.html

November 15, 2001: A USDA inspection report lists 19 Persian onager, 6 Somali wild ass, 46 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

This report is presumed to be incomplete, as subsequent USDA inspections report Grevy’s zebra, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, and Turkmenian kulan remain on the property.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2001-2.html

November 21, 2002: A USDA inspection report lists 78 Grevy’s zebra, 223 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 241 Turkmenian kulan, 23 Persian onager, 5 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-2.html

November 24, 2003: A USDA inspection report lists 89 Grevy’s zebra, 234 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 275 Turkmenian kulan, 26 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-1.html
Sources: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-2.html

2004: 331 Turkmenian kulan are reported to be at CCES. 69 kulan foals were born that year.
Source: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=biolmongol

November 17, 2005: A USDA inspection report lists 103 Grevy’s zebra, 229 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 373 Turkmenian kulan, 38 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 62 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-2.html

2007: North America Asiatic Wild Ass Studbook reports that CCES has 1 Kiang, 39 Persian onager, and 344 Turkmenian kulan.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48549

January 26, 2007: 152 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras are sold at dispersal auction to animal dealers. Some of these animals later find their way back into AZA-accredited zoos via animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

November 12, 2007: A USDA inspection report lists 88 Grevy’s zebra, 174 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 406 Turkmenian kulan, 60 Persian onager, 1 Somali wild ass, 82 Przewalski’s horses, and 1 Kiang as being on the property. 2 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-2.html

January 14, 2008: 6 additional Hartmann’s Mountain zebras sold to animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

January 25, 2008: 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras transferred to B. Bryan Preserve.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

April 23, 2008: CCES reported to be closing and dispersing its entire animal collection.
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48532

July 10, 2008: Reportedly, “quite a few” of the animals were transferred to the San Diego Zoo. However, the majority of the Hartmann’s Mountain zebras, Grevy’s zebras, Turkmenian kulans, and Przewalski’s horses have been transferred to a different facility. (Arbuckle Wilderness?) Which was working on dispersing them throughout the country. Many of the stallions were supposedly shot due to lack of handleability.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-60881

October 26, 2008: More reports of animals being sent on to a large number of different animal dealers. AZA-accredited zoos supposedly showed lack of interest in taking the majority of the species on, aside from the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and the Grevy’s zebra. Large number of animals located at CCES cited as another reason many zoos did not get involved with CCES’s dispersal.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-3#post-79597

December 13, 2008: Turkmenian kulan from CCES supposedly at San Diego Zoo. The Conservation and Research Center in Virginia also reportedly has kulan from CCES.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119230
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119529

June 10, 2009: William Gruenerwald dies.

Source: https://obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/william-gruenerwald-obituary?id=7657339

July 4, 2009: The last load of animals reportedly left CCES just days prior to Gruenerwald’s death. More reports of animal death and mistreatment (Particularly amongst the Turkmenian kulans) comes out. Many were apparently shot because of lack of interest in others acquiring them or ended up being trampled to death in overcrowded trailers as they were hauled off of the property by animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199076
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199085

January 17, 2010: Visitor to Arbuckle Wilderness reports having been told by a staff member that as many as 20 Przewalski’s horses are currently at the facility.

https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-285393

April 18, 2010: Arbuckle Wilderness is reported to have received 80 Hartmann's Mountain zebra, 100 Turkmenian kulan, 35 Grevy's zebra, and 50 Przewalski’s horses from CCES altogether. The majority of those animals were sold on to lesser known animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-310052


March 25, 2014 to June 6, 2014: Several photos on Abe Millar’s website show him to be in the possession of at least 7 Przewalski’s horses (Including a foal) during this timeframe.

Source: https://abemillar.wixsite.com/abram-millar/animals-and-things

May 9, 2021: Abe Millar advertises a breeding pair of Przewalski’s horses for sale on Facebook.

Source: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/questions-grow-as-mystery-horses-captivate-social-media/

April 2, 2023: Abe Millar advertises a Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt for sale on equinenow. The colt’s mother is mentioned to have originated from a “conservation place in New Mexico”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230403161525/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1471300

August 14, 2023: Abe Millar posts a new ad for his Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt. The colt is now named “Little Conqueror”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230814183821/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1502240

February 2024: A Przewalski’s horse stallion (Later named “Shrek”) is bought out of a kill pen in Kansas.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/

June 9, 2024: A Przewalski’s horse mare (Later named “Fiona”) is surrendered to Lazy B Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. Fiona had been purchased from a livestock auction in January.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/
 
[Or how the death of an eccentric rich man led to various species of endangered equines entering the US exotic animal trade.]

Now, many of you are probably wondering "Haven't I read this thread before?". Well, you have, in a way.

Earlier this summer, I did start a thread about how two Przewalski's horses had been recently found at two different US livestock auction houses.

Intrigued by Shrek and Fiona's story, I set out to find out exactly how the Przewalski's horse came to be in the private trade. And I think that I've done it! Mostly? As much as I can via creative googling, at least.

While my earlier thread did dive into much the same topic, I have since found out much more information about Canyon Colorado Equid Sanctuary, so...

I figured that an "update" of sorts would do. Since, over the course of my research, I discovered many a twist and turn, I decided that creating a new thread would be best. My original thread will continue to chronicle Shrek and Fiona's journey, this thread will be about Canyon Colorado and it's history.

And please, sit back and enjoy!

Timeline

Summer of 1978: William Gruenerwald buys an isolated cattle ranch outside of Wagon Mound, New Mexico. He devotes over 6,000 acres of it to the preservation of endangered species of equid. He installs high fences around the property and has heated barns built throughout the individual paddocks. At some later date, housing and even an airport is built on the site.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf
Source: Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Northeastern New Mexico

August 1978: First equines arrive at CCES; 8 Grevy’s zebra from a safari park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

June 24, 1980: CCES is incorporated. At a later date, a non-profit foundation is established and a board of directors is appointed to run the sanctuary in the event of Gruenerwald’s death. (Ann O. Maurer, Carole K. Carlson, and Catherine M. Skilsa?)

Source: Company Search Subscription Service
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

March 15, 1983: 15 Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra from Namibia arrive at CCES. They join 15 already on the property, sourced from Jurgen C. Schulz - An animal dealer.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HMZ-Studbook-2021-.pdf

1985: CCES contributes computer-generated studbook analyses to FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH PAPER - 61 “The Przewalski horse and restoration to its natural habitat in Mongolia”.

Source: The Przewalski horse and restoration to its natural habitat in Mongolia

November 1986: Dr. Chryssee Bradley Martin and Dr. Esmond Bradley Martin visit CCES. They note that there are 31 Grevy’s zebra, 50 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 23 Turkmenian kulan, 2 male Persian onagers, 2 Przewalski’s horses (From Memphis Zoo), and 3 Somali wild ass on the property.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

At some point between December 1986 and 1989 a third Przewalski’s horse arrives on the property. (From Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

1989: 8 more Przewalski’s horses are transferred from US zoos to CCES.

(From Minnesota Zoo, Topeka Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

November 30, 2000: A USDA inspection report lists 67 Grevy’s zebra, 202 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 183 Turkmenian kulan, 16 Persian onager, 8 Somali wild ass, 44 Przewalski’s horses, and three Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000-2.html

November 15, 2001: A USDA inspection report lists 19 Persian onager, 6 Somali wild ass, 46 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

This report is presumed to be incomplete, as subsequent USDA inspections report Grevy’s zebra, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, and Turkmenian kulan remain on the property.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2001-2.html

November 21, 2002: A USDA inspection report lists 78 Grevy’s zebra, 223 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 241 Turkmenian kulan, 23 Persian onager, 5 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-2.html

November 24, 2003: A USDA inspection report lists 89 Grevy’s zebra, 234 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 275 Turkmenian kulan, 26 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-1.html
Sources: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-2.html

2004: 331 Turkmenian kulan are reported to be at CCES. 69 kulan foals were born that year.
Source: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=biolmongol

November 17, 2005: A USDA inspection report lists 103 Grevy’s zebra, 229 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 373 Turkmenian kulan, 38 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 62 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-2.html

2007: North America Asiatic Wild Ass Studbook reports that CCES has 1 Kiang, 39 Persian onager, and 344 Turkmenian kulan.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48549

January 26, 2007: 152 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras are sold at dispersal auction to animal dealers. Some of these animals later find their way back into AZA-accredited zoos via animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

November 12, 2007: A USDA inspection report lists 88 Grevy’s zebra, 174 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 406 Turkmenian kulan, 60 Persian onager, 1 Somali wild ass, 82 Przewalski’s horses, and 1 Kiang as being on the property. 2 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-2.html

January 14, 2008: 6 additional Hartmann’s Mountain zebras sold to animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

January 25, 2008: 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras transferred to B. Bryan Preserve.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

April 23, 2008: CCES reported to be closing and dispersing its entire animal collection.
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48532

July 10, 2008: Reportedly, “quite a few” of the animals were transferred to the San Diego Zoo. However, the majority of the Hartmann’s Mountain zebras, Grevy’s zebras, Turkmenian kulans, and Przewalski’s horses have been transferred to a different facility. (Arbuckle Wilderness?) Which was working on dispersing them throughout the country. Many of the stallions were supposedly shot due to lack of handleability.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-60881

October 26, 2008: More reports of animals being sent on to a large number of different animal dealers. AZA-accredited zoos supposedly showed lack of interest in taking the majority of the species on, aside from the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and the Grevy’s zebra. Large number of animals located at CCES cited as another reason many zoos did not get involved with CCES’s dispersal.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-3#post-79597

December 13, 2008: Turkmenian kulan from CCES supposedly at San Diego Zoo. The Conservation and Research Center in Virginia also reportedly has kulan from CCES.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119230
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119529

June 10, 2009: William Gruenerwald dies.

Source: https://obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/william-gruenerwald-obituary?id=7657339

July 4, 2009: The last load of animals reportedly left CCES just days prior to Gruenerwald’s death. More reports of animal death and mistreatment (Particularly amongst the Turkmenian kulans) comes out. Many were apparently shot because of lack of interest in others acquiring them or ended up being trampled to death in overcrowded trailers as they were hauled off of the property by animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199076
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199085

January 17, 2010: Visitor to Arbuckle Wilderness reports having been told by a staff member that as many as 20 Przewalski’s horses are currently at the facility.

https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-285393

April 18, 2010: Arbuckle Wilderness is reported to have received 80 Hartmann's Mountain zebra, 100 Turkmenian kulan, 35 Grevy's zebra, and 50 Przewalski’s horses from CCES altogether. The majority of those animals were sold on to lesser known animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-310052


March 25, 2014 to June 6, 2014: Several photos on Abe Millar’s website show him to be in the possession of at least 7 Przewalski’s horses (Including a foal) during this timeframe.

Source: https://abemillar.wixsite.com/abram-millar/animals-and-things

May 9, 2021: Abe Millar advertises a breeding pair of Przewalski’s horses for sale on Facebook.

Source: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/questions-grow-as-mystery-horses-captivate-social-media/

April 2, 2023: Abe Millar advertises a Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt for sale on equinenow. The colt’s mother is mentioned to have originated from a “conservation place in New Mexico”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230403161525/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1471300

August 14, 2023: Abe Millar posts a new ad for his Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt. The colt is now named “Little Conqueror”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230814183821/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1502240

February 2024: A Przewalski’s horse stallion (Later named “Shrek”) is bought out of a kill pen in Kansas.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/

June 9, 2024: A Przewalski’s horse mare (Later named “Fiona”) is surrendered to Lazy B Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. Fiona had been purchased from a livestock auction in January.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/

Interesting reading, thank you for pulling it together. A rather sad tale that serves to show yet again that the only things that really suffer if these things play out for the worst are the animals.
 
Interesting reading, thank you for pulling it together. A rather sad tale that serves to show yet again that the only things that really suffer if these things play out for the worst are the animals.

Thank you! And believe me, I'm in firm agreement. What happened to the poor kulans in particular was horrifying.
 
[Or how the death of an eccentric rich man led to various species of endangered equines entering the US exotic animal trade.]

Now, many of you are probably wondering "Haven't I read this thread before?". Well, you have, in a way.

Earlier this summer, I did start a thread about how two Przewalski's horses had been recently found at two different US livestock auction houses.

Intrigued by Shrek and Fiona's story, I set out to find out exactly how the Przewalski's horse came to be in the private trade. And I think that I've done it! Mostly? As much as I can via creative googling, at least.

While my earlier thread did dive into much the same topic, I have since found out much more information about Canyon Colorado Equid Sanctuary, so...

I figured that an "update" of sorts would do. Since, over the course of my research, I discovered many a twist and turn, I decided that creating a new thread would be best. My original thread will continue to chronicle Shrek and Fiona's journey, this thread will be about Canyon Colorado and it's history.

And please, sit back and enjoy!

Timeline

Summer of 1978: William Gruenerwald buys an isolated cattle ranch outside of Wagon Mound, New Mexico. He devotes over 6,000 acres of it to the preservation of endangered species of equid. He installs high fences around the property and has heated barns built throughout the individual paddocks. At some later date, housing and even an airport is built on the site.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf
Source: Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Northeastern New Mexico

August 1978: First equines arrive at CCES; 8 Grevy’s zebra from a safari park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

June 24, 1980: CCES is incorporated. At a later date, a non-profit foundation is established and a board of directors is appointed to run the sanctuary in the event of Gruenerwald’s death. (Ann O. Maurer, Carole K. Carlson, and Catherine M. Skilsa?)

Source: Company Search Subscription Service
Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

March 15, 1983: 15 Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra from Namibia arrive at CCES. They join 15 already on the property, sourced from Jurgen C. Schulz - An animal dealer.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HMZ-Studbook-2021-.pdf

1985: CCES contributes computer-generated studbook analyses to FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH PAPER - 61 “The Przewalski horse and restoration to its natural habitat in Mongolia”.

Source: The Przewalski horse and restoration to its natural habitat in Mongolia

November 1986: Dr. Chryssee Bradley Martin and Dr. Esmond Bradley Martin visit CCES. They note that there are 31 Grevy’s zebra, 50 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 23 Turkmenian kulan, 2 male Persian onagers, 2 Przewalski’s horses (From Memphis Zoo), and 3 Somali wild ass on the property.

Source: https://eawildlife.org/archive/swaraonline/swaras/swaraIssues/EAWLS_SwaraMagazine_01_1988.pdf

At some point between December 1986 and 1989 a third Przewalski’s horse arrives on the property. (From Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

1989: 8 more Przewalski’s horses are transferred from US zoos to CCES.

(From Minnesota Zoo, Topeka Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and Denver Zoo.)

Source: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/Rep-1990-074.pdf

November 30, 2000: A USDA inspection report lists 67 Grevy’s zebra, 202 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 183 Turkmenian kulan, 16 Persian onager, 8 Somali wild ass, 44 Przewalski’s horses, and three Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2000-2.html

November 15, 2001: A USDA inspection report lists 19 Persian onager, 6 Somali wild ass, 46 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

This report is presumed to be incomplete, as subsequent USDA inspections report Grevy’s zebra, Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, and Turkmenian kulan remain on the property.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2001-2.html

November 21, 2002: A USDA inspection report lists 78 Grevy’s zebra, 223 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 241 Turkmenian kulan, 23 Persian onager, 5 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 3 Kiang as being on the property. 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2002-2.html

November 24, 2003: A USDA inspection report lists 89 Grevy’s zebra, 234 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 275 Turkmenian kulan, 26 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 48 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-1.html
Sources: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2003-2.html

2004: 331 Turkmenian kulan are reported to be at CCES. 69 kulan foals were born that year.
Source: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=biolmongol

November 17, 2005: A USDA inspection report lists 103 Grevy’s zebra, 229 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 373 Turkmenian kulan, 38 Persian onager, 4 Somali wild ass, 62 Przewalski’s horses, and 2 Kiang as being on the property. 5 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids, 1 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Persian onager hybrid, and 1 Przewalski’s horse/Turkmenian kulan hybrid are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2005-2.html

2007: North America Asiatic Wild Ass Studbook reports that CCES has 1 Kiang, 39 Persian onager, and 344 Turkmenian kulan.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48549

January 26, 2007: 152 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras are sold at dispersal auction to animal dealers. Some of these animals later find their way back into AZA-accredited zoos via animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

November 12, 2007: A USDA inspection report lists 88 Grevy’s zebra, 174 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, 406 Turkmenian kulan, 60 Persian onager, 1 Somali wild ass, 82 Przewalski’s horses, and 1 Kiang as being on the property. 2 Hartmann’s Mountain zebra/Turkmenian kulan hybrids are on the property as well.

Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-1.html
Source: https://saenonline.org/co/res-fr-co-cces-aphis-2007-2.html

January 14, 2008: 6 additional Hartmann’s Mountain zebras sold to animal dealer Larry Johnson.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

January 25, 2008: 7 Hartmann’s Mountain zebras transferred to B. Bryan Preserve.

Source: https://www.marwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMZ-Studbook-2022.pdf

April 23, 2008: CCES reported to be closing and dispersing its entire animal collection.
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-48532

July 10, 2008: Reportedly, “quite a few” of the animals were transferred to the San Diego Zoo. However, the majority of the Hartmann’s Mountain zebras, Grevy’s zebras, Turkmenian kulans, and Przewalski’s horses have been transferred to a different facility. (Arbuckle Wilderness?) Which was working on dispersing them throughout the country. Many of the stallions were supposedly shot due to lack of handleability.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-2#post-60881

October 26, 2008: More reports of animals being sent on to a large number of different animal dealers. AZA-accredited zoos supposedly showed lack of interest in taking the majority of the species on, aside from the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra and the Grevy’s zebra. Large number of animals located at CCES cited as another reason many zoos did not get involved with CCES’s dispersal.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/somali-wild-ass.9597/page-3#post-79597

December 13, 2008: Turkmenian kulan from CCES supposedly at San Diego Zoo. The Conservation and Research Center in Virginia also reportedly has kulan from CCES.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119230
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/wild-ass-in-north-america.53475/#post-119529

June 10, 2009: William Gruenerwald dies.

Source: https://obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/william-gruenerwald-obituary?id=7657339

July 4, 2009: The last load of animals reportedly left CCES just days prior to Gruenerwald’s death. More reports of animal death and mistreatment (Particularly amongst the Turkmenian kulans) comes out. Many were apparently shot because of lack of interest in others acquiring them or ended up being trampled to death in overcrowded trailers as they were hauled off of the property by animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199076
Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/canyon-colorado-equid-sancturay.85863/#post-199085

January 17, 2010: Visitor to Arbuckle Wilderness reports having been told by a staff member that as many as 20 Przewalski’s horses are currently at the facility.

https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-285393

April 18, 2010: Arbuckle Wilderness is reported to have received 80 Hartmann's Mountain zebra, 100 Turkmenian kulan, 35 Grevy's zebra, and 50 Przewalski’s horses from CCES altogether. The majority of those animals were sold on to lesser known animal dealers.

Source: https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/jbnbsn99s-oklahoma-zoos.130454/#post-310052


March 25, 2014 to June 6, 2014: Several photos on Abe Millar’s website show him to be in the possession of at least 7 Przewalski’s horses (Including a foal) during this timeframe.

Source: https://abemillar.wixsite.com/abram-millar/animals-and-things

May 9, 2021: Abe Millar advertises a breeding pair of Przewalski’s horses for sale on Facebook.

Source: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/questions-grow-as-mystery-horses-captivate-social-media/

April 2, 2023: Abe Millar advertises a Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt for sale on equinenow. The colt’s mother is mentioned to have originated from a “conservation place in New Mexico”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230403161525/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1471300

August 14, 2023: Abe Millar posts a new ad for his Norwegian Fjord/Przewalski’s horse cross colt. The colt is now named “Little Conqueror”.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20230814183821/https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1502240

February 2024: A Przewalski’s horse stallion (Later named “Shrek”) is bought out of a kill pen in Kansas.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/

June 9, 2024: A Przewalski’s horse mare (Later named “Fiona”) is surrendered to Lazy B Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. Fiona had been purchased from a livestock auction in January.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/clim...9/przewalskis-horses-rescued-dna-shrek-fiona/
Great job with all this research, it is incredible the number of zebras and rare animals they had. It is sad that this ranch died and sold rare animals to other people who do not know how to take care of them.
 
It's rly sad that the AZA zoos showed no interest in such rare equines like the kulan. Could have really helped the sustainability of these species.

Equids in general have a tough row to hoe within the AZA, IMHO.

Turkmenian kulan are gone.

Kiang were never a species managed by the AZA to begin with.

Persian onagers can only be seen at The Wilds and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

The Asian Wild Horse SSP wants to grow the AZA population of Przewalski's horses to 150 animals (Currently it's effectively stagnant at roughly 120), but lack of interest means that isn't happening anytime soon.

I expect that the Somali wild ass is in much the same shape, just with fewer holders and an even smaller population of animals.

When it comes to equids and the AZA, zebras doubtlessly rule the roost.

And the Plains zebra (AKA: Generic zebra, since the AZA's population is a hearty mix between the Grant's, Chapman's, and Burchell's subspecies!) is the undeniable king. Far and away, they have the most holders and the biggest population.

That being said, at the very least, Plains zebra holders are being heavily encouraged to switch to either Hartmann's Mountain zebras (For mixed species exhibits) or Grevy's zebras (For single species exhibits). So the future may hold better things for those two species, perhaps.

I love zebras as much as the next person does, but as a huge fan of equines in general, this worship of the zebra to the point of derision of other managed equine species really rubs me the wrong way.
 
According to the EAZA 2023 TAG report:

That being said, at the very least, Plains zebra holders are being heavily encouraged to switch to either Hartmann's Mountain zebras (For mixed species exhibits) or Grevy's zebras (For single species exhibits). So the future may hold better things for those two species, perhaps.

mountain zebra are discouraged now to use in mixed-species exhibits after multiple bad experiences, but Grevy's are still seen as a possibility...

I expect that the Somali wild ass is in much the same shape, just with fewer holders and an even smaller population of animals.

The Somali wild ass SSP was discontinued recently.... Fortunately this species is expanding within Europe...
 
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I was referring to the official position of mixing zebras within the AZA, I could really care less about what the EAZA thinks about the subject.

Relax, I know you meant AZA, I just find it interesting that the 2 major zoo organisations now have a position that is exactly opposite.

Do you happen to have a source for that?

The same EAZA tag report....
 
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The bringing up of EAZA given the guidance given by them is in direct contradiction to AZA is a fair point.
 
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Yeah ngl, the AZA is kinda infuriating when it comes to managing a diversity of species
From what limited I have seen ...
anything that is an ABC species gets priority under AZA.
If XYZ has sustainable population it can stay.
If XYZ is on some sort of decline course of action is to phase it out altogether ... as opposed to working with other organisations so to assist it.
I have said before and will say again - I think the worship of species that the uninformed Joe wants to see to the total detriment of much everything else isn't a sustainable model for anybody. But it is what's safe.

For Christ's sake .... the Somali Wild Ass numbers less than 800 animals in the wild at all, making it one of the most endangered species on Earth ... and is a very characteristic species of a very particular ecoregion! The AZA is depriving the American public of an awesome education opportunity !!

I think one particular instance of this is with ambystomid salamanders .... axolotl is popular so now it is a common zoo animal in the United States. And as much as I love a good axolotl ... I do think much of that space could be used for Anderson's and Patzcuaro Salamanders, but there are basically none within AZA ! If Europe can get both species in and keep them in good stead then I am surprised that the United States, which borders Mexico, is unable to
 
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From what limited I have seen ...
anything that is an ABC species gets priority under AZA.
If XYZ has sustainable population it can stay.
If XYZ is on some sort of decline course of action is to phase it out altogether ... as opposed to working with other organisations so to assist it.
I have said before and will say again - I think the worship of species that the uninformed Joe wants to see to the total detriment of much everything else isn't a sustainable model for anybody. But it is what's safe.

For Christ's sake .... the Somali Wild Ass numbers less than 800 animals in the wild at all, making it one of the most endangered species on Earth ... and is a very characteristic species of a very particular ecoregion! The AZA is depriving the American public of an awesome education opportunity !!

I think one particular instance of this is with ambystomid salamanders .... axolotl is popular so now it is a common zoo animal in the United States. And as much as I love a good axolotl ... I do think much of that space could be used for Anderson's and Patzcuaro Salamanders, but there are basically none within AZA ! If Europe can get both species in and keep them in good stead then I am surprised that the United States, which borders Mexico, is unable to
I don't wanna say that the AZA are idiots or incompetent but sometimes it feels like it

I'd also argue that many zoos are complicit in this crime
 
Somali Wild Ass are currently spreading (and breeding) through non-AZA facilities in the US. I saw a foal at Shamba Safari earlier this summer.
 
Yeah real talk, I'm genuinely upset at the AZA for squandering all of this and also at many AZA zoos for continuing to enable this status quo

In fact, I'll say it. The AZA are in fact idiots for letting themselves get to this point where anything that isn't an ABC species is pretty much gone

Genuinely infuriating and pitiful. Who's running the AZA like this that so many species are being phased out?
 
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