Skinned zebra found on beach

Hearst Ranch animal probably drowned, and its skinning isn’t a crime, officials say.

A zebra that belonged to a collection of wild animals at Hearst Ranch was found dead and skinned on a San Simeon beach Saturday after heavy rains carried it down a creek and into the sea, authorities say.

The carcass, which had much of its hide removed, was discovered just before 12:30 p.m., said Sgt. Nate Paul of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Office.

“There is no indication of foul play,” the sergeant said. “There is no indication the skinning was a criminal act.”

The zebra was likely trying to cross Pico Creek but was swept away and possibly drowned, said Ben Higgins, director of agricultural operations at Hearst Ranch. The age and sex of the zebra were not known.

“We have received over 40 inches of rain on higher elevations of the property, and many of the waterways are flowing extremely quickly,” he said. “They are very dangerous to both animals and people.”

Higgins said ranch officials “are quite certain” that the zebra was skinned after it washed up onto the beach.

“As distasteful as this whole situation is, our conversations with law enforcement indicate that no crime may actually have been committed,” he said.

Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it was unclear who skinned the zebra after it washed ashore. Hughan said the department was working with Hearst Ranch to dispose of the carcass.

The animal belonged to a herd of 113 zebras that roam the hillsides off Highway 1 near Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

The property is also home to American bison and Rocky Mountain elk.

“They of course appear similar to domesticated horses, but they are certainly not tame,” Higgins said. “They are completely wild, free-roaming animals which reside largely, but not exclusively, on Hearst property.”

The famed castle built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst was donated to the state of California in December 1957 and now belongs to a state park. The Hearst family continues to operate a ranch adjacent to the property.

The property once featured lush gardens, an art collection and extravagant pools and terraces. It was also home to a zoo. Hearst began dismantling the zoo in 1937 for financial reasons, according to the estate’s website.

Some of the animals were sold or donated to public zoos; others remained on the ranch and were allowed to roam free.

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