Santa Cruz Sheep are a critically endangered breed on the Livestock Breed Conservancy’s (nee the ALBC) list. Named for Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of California, these sheep have been on the island for at least 70 years and perhaps as long as 200 years. Local lore suggests that sheep were moved onto the island in the early 1800s when ranching operations on the island included sheep, possibly Merino and Rambouillet types with some Churro influences. Some of these animals escaped and a feral population was established. Over time, the Santa Cruz breed developed from these escapees, through the geographic isolation of the population and the pressures of natural selection.
In 1978, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired ownership of nearly all of Santa Cruz Island. The feral sheep population had overgrazed the island and threatened the survival of indigenous vegetation. TNC began a sheep eradication program in 1980 in an effort to save the island ecosystem from further destruction. The story of this program is gruesome and is a testament to the lack of understanding of the effects of “feral” sheep within an ecosystem.* Thankfully, The American Livestock Breeds conservancy was able to convince TNC that the sheep needed saving and a cooperation program began with 12 lambs removed from the island. The sheep were placed with five California breeders and a conservation effort was begun. ALBC member Earl Crews brought additional animals off of the island in 1991. The mainland population has now increased to about 125.
Like many other island-adapted animals, the Santa Cruz sheep are small in size. Most of the sheep are white, but black, brown, and spotted sheep are also found in the population. The fleece is fine to medium and very soft. Sheep have little or no wool on their bellies, faces, and legs, and many have short, woolless “rat” tails. The wool is extremely crimpy and elastic, displaying lycra™ like characteristics and is best when combed. Santa Cruz sheep are exceptionally hardy.
Breed categories: feral, rare, heritage
Distribution: United States
I can’t say how happy I am that the Santa Cruz Sheep were not eradicated by the Nature Conservancy. I can imagine the battle that occurred to save them . In the late 1970s, I had the pleasure of being a part of an Historical and Photographic Survey of all the islands and came away from that experience very disappointed in the Park Service and people who should have cared for the history of the islands.
I have been a spinner since the mid-1980s and never thought I could have the opportunity to spin the wool from this breed. Please send me information concerning how I can acquire some of the wool, raw or processed.
Thank you
Thanks Loretta, we’re happy they’re still around too – but they remain critically endangered. I stock Santa Cruz wool in the store and I always bring some to shows! You’ll find it easily if you search for “Santa Cruz” in the search box on our home page.