Three Escaped Hearst Ranch Zebras Shot To Death

CAMBRIA, Calif. (AP) -- Three escaped Hearst Ranch zebras have been shot to death by California ranchers who say the exotic animals were threatening their horses and cattle.

   The animals are descendants of zebras brought to the San Simeon estate of William Randolph Hearst in 1923 as part of the publisher's private zoo. About 80 zebras currently wander the property around Hearst Castle and three escaped last week.

   Green Valley Cattle Co. owner David Fiscalini told the San Luis Obispo Tribune that he shot two of the zebras because they were chasing seven horses on his Cambria-area property along Highway 46 about 10 miles from the Hearst Ranch. The third zebra was shot by a neighbor after it got into a herd of cows.

   Hearst's great-grandson Steve Hearst says he was shocked the zebras were killed.