Bighorn Sheep Visit March, 2002
 Jennifer King photo |
Arboretum visitors, volunteers and staff enjoyed a rare treat on March 31, 2002, when a healthy young desert bighorn ram and ewe walked onto the Arboretum grounds from the adjacent Tonto National Forest. |
 Jennifer King photo |
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 Jennifer King photo |
The Ram sunbathed on the volcanic rocks inside and below magma ridge, close enough to the main trail for the delight and hotographic advantage of everyone who visited that day.March 31 isnt the first time this year the charismatic animals have been seen in the Arboretum. Twice this winter staff and visitors spotted a ram (probably this same animal) accompanied by a ewe. On this visit he appeared to be alone.The young ram was first spotted on a boulder on the south side of Magma Ridge, just past the Wing Memorial Herb Garden. |
 Kim Stone photo |
He remained there until mid-afternoon, then ambled over the ridge and drank from the stream that cascades from the pumphouse atop the ridge and down the north side into Ayer Lake. |
 Kim Stone photo |
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Our thanks to all
the Arboretum visitors that day who respectfully remained on park trails to
photograph this magnificent animal. Thanks also to Arboretum horticulturist
Kim Stone and BTA volunteer Jennifer King for sharing the great digital images
on this page. To return to the Visitor
Photo Galleries Page CLICK HERE