Santa Cruz Sheep are from Santa Cruz Island, California,
USA. There is considerable uncertainty as how and when sheep got to Santa Cruz
island. It is believed that Merino, Rambouillet, and perhaps some Churro sheep
are part of their ancestry. However, it is certain that they have been feral
for the last 70 years. The Nature Conservancy acquired 88% of the island during
the 1970's and began an eradication program in 1980.
In 1988, twelve lambs were brought off the
island by a team of Nature Conservancy and ALBC volunteers and were placed with
five California breeders to begin a population rebuilding effort. The Santa
Cruz Island sheep breed is an important genetic resource. Its historic
background, long period of isolation, and adaptation to a challenging
environment have given the breed an array of characteristics not found among
commercial breeds.
About Santa Cruz Sheep
