Some 100 Rotokawa Devon cattle arrived in Los Angeles from New Zealand, accompanied by breeder Ken McDowall, after a 14-hour flight. The Rotokawa cows and bulls rode on a 747 jet in specially designed crates that could be stacked two on top of each other. Bakewell’s Ridge Shinn was there to greet them when they landed Monday night, June 30, around midnight.

In Los Angeles, the cattle were transferred to a ranch in Santa Margarita, California, near San Luis Obispo, where they will remain in quarantine for 6 weeks.

There are 83 females (some pregnant) and 8 males. Among the males is the famous Rotokawa 93. Some of these prize Devons will be sold but more than half will be coming to the Land Trust in Massachusetts.

The second shipment of animals is expected mid-July. Ken McDowall, who accompanied his animals on the flight, is semi-retiring from the business of breeding cattle.

Below is a brief slide show documenting the arrival. Photos by Gregory Mancuso.