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Nigel Turner (Owner Grand Canyon Ranch) Introduces Wild Buffalo to Grand
Canyon Ranch - Arizona
The Ultimate "Western Experience!"
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Press Release
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For Immediate Release March 3rd, 2010
Grand Canyon Ranch, Arizona
New Buffalo Safaris at Grand Canyon Ranch |
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About the Buffalo:
LIFE HISTORY
Buffalo, or Bison, are the largest living member in the
cow family. Adult weights range from 1,400 to 2,500 pounds for males and 750 to
1,600 pounds for females. Male buffalo have massive appearing front quarters
with a large hump above the shoulders; these are covered with woolly hair up to
1.5 inches long that also covers the head and forelegs. This hair will turn tan
with age and is two to five times thicker than hind quarter hair. The head has a
broad triangular appearance with a beard. Calves are reddish-tan at birth and
change to brown or black at three months. The hump and horns begin developing at
six months age. Both males and females have horns. Male horns can reach 20"
long. Female horns are always smaller. Smell and hearing is acute, while
eyesight is poor. Adult buffalo can run sprints of 35 mph for up to 1/4 mile and
they can run longer distances at slower speeds. Buffalo are also capable of
jumping over 6 foot high fences without touching the fence. While buffalo may
live as long as 28 years, few attain the age of 12 to 15 years. They are
gregarious and can form large herd groups. Herd groups are unstable and group
composition changes constantly. Herd groups are dominated by a matriarchal
female, except during breeding. Adult buffalo eat approximately 35 pounds per
day. Although local variations in forage availability and preferences occur,
they will shift toward the most abundant forage; eating grasses, forbs, and
browse.
BEHAVIOR
Breeding occurs from mid-July to early September. Males are
polygamous, but they do not form harems. During the rut, males may lose up 300
pounds. Most breeding is done by mature males five to eight years old. Gestation
ranges from 270 to 285 days. Calves are born in the spring from late April
through May. Twinning has not been documented. Nursing activity occurs primarily
during daylight hours and each nursing bout can last up to 20 minutes. |
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Las Vegas. Nigel Turner the owner of Grand Canyon Ranch stated "I am excited to
announce the introduction of Buffalo Safaris by horse back or horse drawn wagon
for visitors to my Ranch. Visitors have the ultimate "Western Experience." In
one day they will see the Grand Canyon by Helicopter with Heli USA Airways, land
and experience my historic ranch, be entertained by professional western
entertainers and now go on a buffalo safari on horseback or horse drawn wagon"
he said. He further stated "All other West Rim tour operators in Las Vegas sell
the same thing, we are different.
Growing up in Manchester England I watched western movies and fantasized about
the Wild West. My dream has now come true by owning a 165 square mile ranch and
re introducing the Buffalo to roam free. It is gratifying to see the excited
faces of visitors when they see the Buffalo in their natural habitat rather than
in a zoo."
Turner further said "You know at the beginning of the 1800 's over 30 million
buffalo roamed the plains. By the end of the century we had almost wiped out
this magnificent creature, often with machine guns, to a few hundred remaining
animals. Most of these were luckily protected in the San Francisco Zoo. The
buffalo were put on the endangered species act and have now grown to a few
thousand. It puts a lump in your throat to see these once persecuted animals now
roaming free on the Ranch."
John Power, VP Sales and Marketing stated "More information on the new buffalo
safaris can be found at
grandcanyonranch.com,
heliusa.com or through
tour operators world wide. We have only been operating the buffalo tours for a
few days and I am pleased that over 80% of our visitors have been to see the
buffalo". He further stated " You know buffalo can grow to over 2,000 lbs. They
are magnificent animals to see and photograph in particular against the back
drop of Grand Canyon Ranch. Its like being on safari in Africa." he said.
Media Enquiries CONTACT:
UK - Philip Britton
email:
philip@heliusa.com
USA - Nigel Turner
email:
nigelheliusa@aol.com
For Reservations Call: (6a-10p PST)
702.736.8787 Direct
1.800.359.8727 Toll Free |
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OPTIONAL
ACTIVITIES AT GRAND CANYON RANCH
Step back in time on a guided horseback or horse-drawn wagon ride and buffalo
safari. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as you participate in a
centuries old tradition. Journey through the Historic Joshua Tree lined Mormon
Trail as you track down wild buffalo in their natural environment. See and
photograph wild buffalo in their native habit at Buffalo Point.
RIDES AVAILABLE AT GRAND CANYON RANCH
Guided Horseback Ride and Buffalo Safari
* Guided horseback along the tree lined Joshua Tree Forest
* Ride a quarter horse as seen in the Wild West movies!
* Track down Buffalo for camera photo opportunities!
* Ride to the spectacular Buffalo Point.
* View Wild Buffalo in their natural environment.
$49.00
per person
Ride
is suitable for in-experienced or advanced horseback rider.
Must be 11 years or older to participate in horseback riding.
Duration: Approx: 30 minutes / Ride time includes loading and unloading.
Sunset Guided Horseback Ride and Buffalo Safari
* Guided horseback along the tree lined Joshua Tree Forest.
* Ride a quarter horse as seen in the Wild West movies!
* Track down Buffalo for camera photo opportunities!
* Ride to the spectacular Buffalo Point.
* View Wild Buffalo in their natural environment.
* Champagne toast with unparalleled views of Arizona,
* Nevada, California and Utah - over 120 miles.
* Let our Cowboy entertainer's serenade you with Cowboy Poetry and Songs.
* Find out about the History, Myths and Legends of Grand Canyon Ranch.
$69.00
per person
Ride
is suitable for in-experienced or advanced horseback rider.
Must be 11 years or older to participate in horseback riding.
Duration: Approx: 55-60 minutes / Ride time includes loading and unloading.
Horse-drawn Wagon Ride and Buffalo Safari
* Board an authentic wagon for a journey on the Historic Mormon Trail.
* Experience a guided horse-drawn wagon ride along the tree lined
* Joshua Tree Forest.
* Track down Buffalo for camera photo opportunities!
* View Wild Buffalo in their natural environment.
* Ride to the spectacular Buffalo Point.
$35.00
adult /
$20.00
child
Duration: Approx: 25-30 minutes / Ride time includes loading and unloading.
Sunset Horse-drawn Wagon Ride and Buffalo Safari
* Board an authentic wagon for a journey on the Historic Mormon Trail.
* Experience a guided horse-drawn wagon ride along the tree lined
* Joshua Tree Forest.
* Track down Buffalo for camera photo opportunities!
* View Wild Buffalo in their natural environment.
* Ride to the spectacular Buffalo Point.
* Champagne toast with unparalleled views of Arizona, Nevada, California
* and Utah - over 120 miles.
* Let our Cowboy entertainer's serenade you with Cowboy Poetry and Songs.
* Find out about the History, Myths and Legends of Grand Canyon Ranch.
$45.00
adult / $25.00 child
Duration: Approx: 55-60 minutes / Ride time includes loading and unloading.
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Ranch Fact:
Ideally
located only fourteen miles from the West Rim of the Grand
Canyon, Grand Canyon Ranch is a real working cattle ranch
which now also features buffalo safaris is spread out over 165
square miles on the majestic Grand Canyon Plateau. |
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