Eagle, Wis. – Old World Wisconsin will debut two very rare heritage breed Kerry oxen when they open on May 6. Ollie and Finn, the four-year-old yolk-trained pair, are one of only two sets of Kerry oxen in the United States. Only about 350 of this breed are left in the world today.
“It is an honor to welcome Ollie and Finn to our collection of heritage breed animals and we are so appreciative of the Maihaugen Foundation and Old World Foundation who made this possible,” said Dan Freas, director, Old World Wisconsin. “As stewards of these rare ancient animals, we look forward to sharing their unique history with our guests and contributing to the global education and conservation efforts of this historic breed.”
Kerry cattle, considered descendants of the Celtic Shorthorn, were brought to Ireland around 2000 B.C. They are one of the oldest breeds in Europe and the first grass-fed cow, used for dairy. According to the American Kerry Cattle Association, they are on the critically endangered list and there are less than 75 breeding females in North America today.
The Kerry is a small-sized, fine-boned dairy breed, mostly black in color and weighing between 800 and 1,000 pounds. Ollie and Finn were purchased from Grace Acres Farm in Deforest, Wisconsin, one of only two U.S. farms that actively raise and breed Kerry cattle.
A hearty breed, they will reside at the 1860s Pomeranian Immigrant Farm in the Life on the Farms section of Old World Wisconsin. The yoke-trained oxen, who will graze on grass, consume 30 pounds of a legume and grass hay mix daily, and are trained to demonstrate old world farming methods.
Old World Wisconsin’s spring season runs from May 6 through June 11 with general admission on weekends. The summer season, running June 14 to Aug. 27, expands general admission entry to Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and teens, $18 for seniors, $13 for children ages 5 to 12, and children under five get in free. Visit oldworldwisconsin.org for more information or to buy tickets. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission and a 10% discount on ticketed events.
Click here to view photos and video of Ollie & Finn.
About Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre regional history attraction featuring interactive environments and immersive stories of 19th-and early 20th-century immigrant farms and rural life. It is one of twelve Wisconsin Historical Society sites and museums around the state. The museum offers hands-on activities led by staff members in historic dress, and guests can visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, meet heritage animal breeds, and try historic crafts and skills. Old World Wisconsin is open seasonally and is located on Highway 67, south of Eagle, Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org or call 262-594-6301.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program.
