NEWTON COUNTY -
In Newton County there is a ranch that not only raises cattle, it has exotic animals that make people stop for a second look.
When you're driving down Highway 87 in Newton County, you don't expect to see any of these. But there they are two zebras. Gary Williams from M and W Ranch began collecting exotic animals 12 years ago. He tells 12News how he got started.
"We seen some zebras and deer up in Missouri on the side of the road, so we just decided at that time to get some down here and start raising the wild animals," said Williams.
Right now he has four types of deer, none of which are native to Texas.
Williams says, "We have Axis, red stag, black buck antelope and red deer."
Every year the Williams' deer and elk shed their antlers. Just Thursday night, the red stag lost one antler. Gary's father, Maurice, is not only the antler collector, he is also the care taker of the animals including the elk and the buffalo that roam here too.
Williams says, "He feeds them everyday and he goes out and talks to them and he does a great job."
And then of course there are the zebras, they are the traffic stoppers.
Williams says, "Every day of the week, there is someone stopped down there on the road looking at the animals. They come up here and my dad will take them on a tour. People really appreciate someone taking the time to show the wild animals."
That's an appreciation that Gary and his family are happy to spread throughout the community.
"I know they bring school kids down here and he carries them around and shows them. Yes, it's a good feeling for people to see nature," said Gary.
What started out as a hobby has actually turned into a pretty good little business. They've started to sell the exotic animals. Right now they have 30 to 40 deer total and they have an interested buyer who wants to buy the red deer. The exotics aren't the only animals on the ranch, there are also brangus and wagyu cattle. The wagyu cattle produce the highest quality beef similar to kobe. M and W Ranch will sell some of the wagyu in a few months.
