Exotic animals attract drivers' views

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Buffalo Bob -- Robert Torres says the buffalo he owns are not mean, but are a little skittish. He keeps the buffalo, along with emus and other animals, as pets. Photo by Mindy Poehl

Jan. 6, 2005 - While driving down China Spring Road, an unusual site can be seen. Four buffalo roam the landscape, along with two emu, several cows and pit bulls.

Robert S. Torres, owner of the buffalo and emus, purchased the animals because he "wanted something different," he said. The buffalo breed naturally and they have already had one baby in the two years Torres has owned them.

"They are not mean, but they are a little skittish," said Torres, who owns the buffalo as pets. "They are kind of shy."

Torres bought the buffalo from a man in Crawford. The man bred deer and the buffalo were disturbing the deer, so he wanted to sell the buffalo.

Torres is not sure what people will do with the buffalo once he begins selling them.

"I haven't thought about it yet," he said.

Torres owns them as pets and "the herd wont grow too fast," so he is not planning on selling any buffalo soon.

The buffalo mainly eat hay and Torres said they lose all of their hair in the summer and grow new hair, which they are growing now, for the winter time.