La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc had to say goodbye to two of its longtime residents this week.
The mission, located along Purisima Road, says horses Hummer and Grano were euthanized Thursday.
Hummer, a retired Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s horse, has been at the mission since 2005. The mission says the 30-year-old animal, who used to patrol the streets of Isla Vista, was not feeling well on Wednesday and his condition had deteriorated so rapidly by Thursday that the decision was made to put him down.
“The vet who had been caring for both horses for years was immediately called on the 5th and made multiple visits on both days to check on him. Due to his advanced age, unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done,” according to a post Friday on the mission’s Facebook page.
The health of the mission’s other horse, 31-year-old Grano, has also been declining, the mission stated. Grano, whose full name is Grano de Oro meaning “Grain of Gold,” had a pre-existing heart condition and the mission says seeing Hummer in pain may have pushed Grano’s heart beyond what it could handle. He had been at the historic park since before 2000.
“Grano became ill on the 6th, and by afternoon he too fell into a condition beyond care,” according to the mission.
“In their long stay at La Purisima, both horses enjoyed an easy life of being adored by visitors, pampered, and cared for by volunteers and staff. During this time of sadness, let us remember their quirky personalities and celebrate their long and wonderful lives,” the Facebook post stated.
More than 200,000 people reportedly visit La Purisima, the most extensively restored mission in the state, every year.
People are able to walk along the grounds almost daily for self-guided tours to see what life was like back in the 1820s.
The mission has other livestock including pigs and sheep.
Check donations in honor of Grano and Hummer for other animal’s care at the mission can be made out to “Prelado de los Tesoros” and mailed to 2295 Purisima Rd., Lompoc, CA, 93436.
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of both horses Grano and Hummer of La Purisima Mission State…
Posted by La Purisima Mission State Historic Park on Friday, June 7, 2019
