Page 12
The Battalion
Monday, March 20,1989
exat
Abused, neglected animals offered refuge in Texas rancher’s menagerie
MURCHISON (AP) — Billy
Saxon is a man who genuinely loves
his animals — all 420 of them.
The bond between them is ob
vious, whether he’s smooching it up
with a chimpanzee named Nim
Chimpsky, feeding apples to an el
ephant called Conga or caring for
any one of the 260 horses and bur
ros that roam the Black Beauty
Ranch three miles north of this small
East Texas town.
The animals, which also include
goats, wild hogs, deer, racoons, coy
otes, a couple of llamas and a few
scraggly mutts, react whenever
Saxon saunters along the rolling
grassland of the 602-acre ranch.
They follow him everywhere, as if he
played some sort of magical flute.
“I guess the animals just sense that
I’m not going to hurt them,” says
Saxon, 53. “I just got a feeling for
them. I know what they’re thinking.”
Recognized nationally as a one-of-
a-kind operation, the Black Beauty
Ranch takes in abused and neglected
animals from all over and nurses
them back to health.
Begun in 1979, with less than half
its current acreage, the ranch is run
by the Fund for Animals, a New
York-based animal rights organiza
tion that has rescued thousands of
animals.
The organization operates in 28
cities. Its president is writer Cleve
land Amory, who travels the country
promoting the fund’s causes on talk
shows and in courtrooms.
The Fund, and the ranch, operate
solely on donations. (Contributions
can be sent to P.O. Box 367, Murchi
son, Texas 75778.)
Many of the animals at the ranch
are put up for adoption, but only to
folks Saxon is convinced will provide
better homes than from where they
came.
“We have forms to fill out, but five
minutes after talking to someone I
can tell whether they can take care of
the animal,” says Saxon, who’s been
managing the ranch since 1985.
Horses can be adopted for $125,
and burros go for $75.
Saxon has seen the abuses animals
suffer. Once a hunter, he says he
couldn’t imagine killing now. Life is
too important, he says.
“When the animals first come in
and you see them bad off and then
later see them fat and happy, that’s
what really , makes you feel good,”
Saxon says.
Nim Chimpsky, who now shares a
life of leisure with a female chimp
named Sally, was rescued from a lab
oratory experiment in which he
would have died.
Conga, too old and sunburned for
a roadside circus in Florida, would
have been put to sleep. Instead she
spends her days frolicking in a 230-
by-50-foot playpen complete with
shelter for shade.
Deer and goats were brought in
from Washington State, where a cir
cus had left them abandoned for
nine days.
In “one of the worst cruelty cases
in Texas,” Saxon says, 135 starving
mustangs were rescued from a ranch
near Pittsburg.
Another group of about 17 mus
tangs were brought in from Ne
braska, where they were to be sold to
slaughter.
In the late 1970s, hundreds of
wild burros were about to be shot by
the National Parks Service, which
wanted to rid the Grand Canyon of
the creatures. An experimental res
cue mission began. A year and a half
later, 530 burros had been airlifted
out of the canyon, and the very first
one rescued found its way to the
Black Beauty Ranch.
In Ridgecrest, Calif., at a naval
weapons center, the Navy began
sponsoring weekend shoots to exter
minate wild burros officials said
were causing a nuisance. The Fund
for Animals went to court to stop the
shootings and eventually rescued
4,000 of the animals. Some still live
at the ranch.
The ranch also took in wild goats
rescued from San Clemente Island
off the coast of San Diego. Again,
the Navy was shooting the goats
til the Fund for Animals stepped
with a court order.
A llama came to the ranch afte
ranch for exotic animals went
rupt. A 30-year-old police ho
worked too hard on the streets
New York now grazes happily in
pine-dotted pasture.
People who abuse animals
dangerous, Saxon says.
“1 think anybody who abuses;
mals would abuse anything -
eluding people,” he says.
Tougher state laws would helpij
says, but the real key is educat
children not to abuse animals,
To that end, the ranch eatfforeconon
spring welcomes childrens’
ol. 88 f*
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INTRAMURAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Post Oak Mali • Hwy 21
Manor East Mall • University Dr.
Texas Ave. at S.W. Parkway
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FOOTNOTES
apacity.
SPORTS CLUBS
IM GAMEPLAN
• Monday, March 20: Swim Meet: Corps & Fish
Prelims at the Woford Cain Outdoor Pool.
•Tuesday, March 21: rainout date for Swim Meet.
• Tuesday, March 21: Table Tennis and Badmin
ton begin.
• Thursday, March 23: Innertube Water Polo
Captain's Meeting, 5:00 PM, 164 Read.
• Thursday, March 23: Volleyball Triples Cap
tain's Meeting, 6:00 PM, 164 Read.
• Friday, March 24: Tennis Doubles, and Golf
Singles posted after 1 PM.
• Softball playoffs will be posted Monday, April 3.
Play begins Wednesday, April 5.
The Handball Team won the first place combined
team award in a tournament held March 1 - 5 in
Austin. The Women's Team captured first place in
the nation, while the men came away with third.
Eric Brumlow of The Archery Team placed second
at the indoor nationals.
The Judo Team placed third the Texas State
Collegiate Tournament at the University of Texas,
Arlington. Placing for A&M was Bobby Perez - first,
1321b class; Matt Kirk - fourth, 1721b class; David
Schmidt - third, 189 class; John Hughes - third,
209lb and over class; and, Sally Schmidt - first,
women's 1581b class.
ENTRIES CLOSE: MARCH 21
Sal
ALL y n) V E R SJ T V[c ha m pi on S' ” j
WRESTLING
134lbs: James Alien 142 lbs: Lane Farley 150 lbs: Earl Allen
158 lbs: Tony Glace 167 lbs: Jamie Bell 177 lbs: Tad Mulder
190 lbs: Charles Mulder Unlimited: Bryan Croft
3 POINT SHOT - JEFF JOHNSON
Jeff Johnson be
gins his turn in the
finals of the Nike 3
Point Shot at the
half-time of the
Aggie-Texas Bas
ketball game on
Sat., March 4.
Johnson won the
competition with a
score of 15 in the
final round. The
competition,
sponsored by
Nike and the Dept,
of Recreational
Sports began with
302 competitors in
the preliminaries.
GOLF SINGLES CONTEST DATE: Sunday, April 2,
Monday April 3, Tuesday April 4. GREEN FEES: Students
$5.50 Faculty/Staff: $6.75, payable at registration. Any
one holding a membership card to the TAMU Golf Course
does not have to pay the green’s fee; however, they must
have their card with them at the time of registration. Tee
times begin at 9:00 am. Participants can sign up for a tee
time at registration. They must sign upfor a tee time within
theirclass. TOURNAMENTTYPE: All classes will play an
18 hole scratch tournament. DIVISIONS: Both Men’s and
Women’s divisions will be offered. EQUIPMENT: Partici
pants must furnish their own equipment. A WARDS: Class
A Champions will receive t-shirts and Class B Champions
will receive certificates. No awards will be given to Class
C. ***Any participant who has won a Class Championship
in singles must play in the next higher Class in all future
competitions.***
INNERTUBE WATER POLO PLA YBEGINS: Thursday,
March 30. ENTRY FEE: $20.00 per team. DIVISIONS:
Men’s, Women’s and CoRec. COMPETITION: Class A-
highly skilled; Class B - moderately skilled; Class C -
novice. All tournaments are Round Robin with single
elimination playoffs. Class A All-University Champions
will receive t-shirts; Class B All-University Champions will
receive certificates; Class B CoRec Champions will re
ceive a General Motors t-shirt. RULES: A copy of the
rules may be obtained in the Recreational Sports Office,
Room 159 Read Building. EQUIPMENT: Innertubes and
Caps will be provided at the game. ELIGIBILITY: One
TAMU Water Polo Player is allowed perteam. No TAMU
Swimmer may compete in this sport. TEAM CAPTAIN'S
MEETING: Will be held on Thursday, March 23 at 5:00 pm
in Room 164 Read Building. All Team Captain’s should
plan to attend. Schedules will be available at this time!
ARCHERY DOUBLES CONTEST DATE: Tuesday,
March 23 beginning at 6:00 pm in 304 Read Building.
EQUIPMENT: A limited number of bows are available for
use. Participants should reserve equipment at time of
registration. RULES: FITA Rules will apply. Each partici
pant will shoot one round (30 arrows) at a distance oil
yards. The target is 40 cm with 10 scoring rings. Foi
practice arrows will be allowed. RESTRICTIONS:
curve Bow with optional standard sights and stabilizes
to be used. No Compound Bows. Bow must notexcee
45 lbs actual draw. No string peep or bow lever,
releases, no field or broad head point. Target pointson.
No mechanical releases. GENERAL MOTORS: Genei
Motors T-Shirts will be awarded to the CoRec Class
Champions.
rig]
for
TENNIS DOUBLES PLAY BEGINS: Tuesday, March?!
ENTRY FEE: Free !! 1 SCHEDULES: Posted after 1pr
on Friday March 24. Checkthe bulletin boardsoutsidettii
Recreational Sports Office to see when you
DIVISIONS: Men’s and Women’s Residence Hall,
and Women’s Independent, and CoRec. COMPETITIOH
Class A - highly skilled; Class B - moderately skilledan
Class C - novice. All tournaments are single eliminate
Class A All-University Champion will receive a 1-shir.
Class B and C All-University Champion will receive ace!
tificate. Class B CoRec Champions will receive aGener;
Motors T-Shirt. RULES: Matches will consist of thebes!
out of 3 sets. Games are played to 4 points (no deuce). Si
games wins a set except when there is a tie at 6 games q
each, in which case a 12 pt tie breaker is played. EQUIf
MENT: Participants must furnish their own racquet and
new unopened can of balls or they forfeit. The winniis
team keeps the unopened can for their next match,1*
losing team keeps the used ones.
VOLLEYBALL TRIPLES ENTRY FEE: $20.00 perteai
PLAY BEGINS: Monday, March 27. DIVISIONS: Men’s
Women’s and CoRec. ELIGIBILITY: One TAMU
ball Club Member or Former Varsity Letter Winner s
permitted per team. That team must compete in Classl
competition. RULES: US VBA Rules with intramural e*'
ceptions. Rules may be obtained in the Recreational our appro;
Sports Office, 159 Read Building. TEAM CAPW/NSipaitment s
MEE77/VG: Thursday, March 23 at 6 pm in 164ReadBldo
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ENTRIES OPEN: MARCH 20 ENTRIES CLOSE: MARCH28
10th Annual Penberthy Softball Tournament
Registration for this double elimination softball tournament to be held April 14-16
continues in the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read Bldg. The $40 entry fee includes
lots of extras and great prizes for the champions. For more information come by the
Recreational Sports Office or call 845-2826.
PUTT-PUTT GOLF ENTRY FEE: Men’s or Women’s
Singles $2.00/person; Men’s or Women’s Doubles $4.00/
team; CoRec $4.00/team. All fees will be collected at
registration in the Recreational Sports Office. All equip
ment is available at the course. CONTEST DATE: Wed
nesday, April 5, 5:30 PM- 9:30 PM. LOCATION: Putt-Putt
Golf Course, Texas Avenue South, College Station, North
of K-Mart. ***BBring your student ID or recreational ID.**
TYPE OF COMPETITION: One round, 18 hole contest
with medalist (stroke) scoring. Ties will be decided by
comparing totals of back nine holes. If a tie still exists, a
match of holes from #18 backwards will determine the
winner. Local course rules with Intramural exceptions will
be in effect. ELIGIBILITY: All TAMU students, faculty, staff
and spouses if they meet the eligibility requirements in the
Recreational Sports Calendar/Handbook. DIVISIONS:
Men’s Singles & Doubles, Women’s Singles & Doubles,
CoRec Doubles. AWARDS: AII-UniversityT-shirts will be
awarded in each division.
Intramural Rules will be enforced. AWARDS: Intramura
championship t-shirts will be given to the winners
Men’s, Women’s, and Co-Rec divisions. TEAMS
Teams consist of 7 players per team. Co-Rec teams
consist of 4 men and 3 women or 3 men and 4 women.
ELIGIBILITY: Check the Recreational Sports Calendar
forpolicies concerning eligibility. TOURNAMENTDAli
March 31-April 1.
TAMU-OUTDOORS
Kayak Roll Instructional Clinics
Date: March 23, 6:15 - 8:30 PM Registration: February 27 - March 20
Learn the mechanics of the Eskimo roll!! Experienced guides will be on hand to instruct and assist
you in sessions at the Outdoor Pool. The $8($10 non A&M) fee covers instruction, kayak rental and pool
time. Limited to 10 participants.
Climbing Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Dates: April 7-9 Registration: March 20 - April 3 «
Join us at the Rock for an introduction to the thrills of rock climbing!!
Experienced guides will teach a variety of climbing techniques and safety systems. Spend the
weekend testing your new skills, the $30 ($35 non A&M) fee for this adventure includes rental of group
camping equipment, climbing equipment, camping permits and experienced instruction. The trip is offered
to beginning and intermediate climbers and is limited to 10 participants.
Register for these trips in the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read Bldg. For more information about
these trips or TAMU Outdoors contact, Patsy Greiner, 845-7826.
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS: McDonald's Intramural Highlights is sponsored in the Battalion by your local
McDonald's Restaurant at University Drive, Manor East Mall, Hwy 21, Texas Ave. at SW Parkway and Post
Oak Mall. Stories are by Steve Harding, graphics are by Paul Inwin and photos are by Mark Figart and Lynda
Bottos.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS:
Men’s, Women’s and CoRec. ENTRY FEE: $10.00 per
team. SCHEDULES: Schedules may be picked up at the
team captains meeting in 167 Read at 5pm on Thursday,
March 30. LOCATION: All games will be played atthe Pen
berthy Intramural Complex or the Intramural Sports
Center. RULES: Ultimate Players Association Rules and
SUPERSTARS ENTRY FEE: Free!!! DIVISIONS:
vidua! - Men and Women. ELIGIBILITY: Superstars
competition is open to all TAMU students, faculty and
their spouses. COMPETITION: The competition willbe
held April 1 & 2. Participants must choose 10 of the 12
events: (Everyone must participate in the obstacle
course.) Softball Throw, 1600 M Run, Weightlifting,Cy
cling**, 100 M Dash, Frisbee Toss, 50 M Swim, Volley
ball, Free Throw, Shuttle Run, Bowling*, Obstacle
Course. ‘Participants who bowl will need to payfortheir
games atthe alley. ‘‘Participants who enter Cyclingwi
be required to provide their own bikes. AWARDS: Higli
Point Man and Woman in Individual Competition will
receive the Dan Copp Memorial Award and an Intramo
ral Champion t-shirt. MEET/A/G: There will be a meelinj
for all participants at 10:00 am Sat., April 1 in 164 Read
to discuss rules for the competition. This meeting is
mandatory!!
Congratulations to
David Srygley for
entering the winning
logo in the Department
of Recreational Sports
Logo Contest.
DEPARTMENT OF RFC REA TI ON A L
GOLF DRIVING RANGE HOURS
The Driving Range located at the Intramural Sports Center is now open for operation Mon-Thu, 3 PM -6
PM; Fri, 12 PM - 6 PM; Sat, 10 AM - 6 PM; and Sun, 12 noon - 6 PM. Individuals with student IDorTAMU
Recreational ID may purchase a large bucket of balls for $3.00 and a small bucket of balls for $1.50. With
out an ID individuals may purchase a large bucket of balls for $4.00 and a small bucket for$2.00. Club rental
is also available. For more information, contact the Recreational Sports Office, 159 Read, or call 845-7826.
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