The Yak Shack

This property was a ranch many decades ago, and it was time to restore its historical purpose. It was also the perfect moment to introduce a new animal with a striking, exotic appearance to this valley.

With their handlebar horns, buffalo humped shoulders, horse-like tail and long hairy skirt our Tibetan yaks are very pleasant for the eye.

This breed, which is at home at high mountainous elevations with great temperature extremes, is a perfect match for us. They are exceedingly cold hardy and even prefer to eat snow rather than drink water.

Yaks are intelligent, curious, independent, serene, mellow and quiet animals. They do not bellow, bawl or moo. Instead, they communicate in quiet grunts, snorts, and head shakes.

Yaks are a multipurpose animal. They provide a source of breeding stock, meat, fibre, milk (and dairy products), hides and horns. They also make excellent pack and trekking animals. For us, they are just our pets.

The North American Yak is a “boutique” niche, but with its eco-friendly hoof-print, it has a great future ahead.