Decended from Shorthorn cattle originally introduced to this small sub-antartic island by the whalers in the 1800's, this species has able to survive on a cold, wind-swept island by eating Kelp (seaweed). In mid-1980 the Enderby Cattle - as they are now called were brought to the public's attention by New Zealand's Department of Conservation because they had nearly wiped out the island's flora. All but two animals were shot and a cow and bull were brought back to New Zealand's mainland at Massey University for research into their digestive capabilities and resistance to parasites. In 1998, new technological break throughs led to the first cloned calf happening in New Zealand at Ruakura Research centre, Hamilton. This calf is hoped to carry on the rare Enderby name.
Aaron Campbell, New Zealand
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.