Gentle Giants": Why Yaks, Native to the Tibetan Plateau, Thrive in the French Alps
In the picturesque pastures adjacent to Morzine, Haute-Savoie, a farming couple, Anna and Sebastien Bron, find delight in the company of eight majestic yaks - iconic animals of the Himalayan mountains. These remarkable creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the steep and demanding mountain pastures.
Allow us to introduce "Superman," "Romeo," "Nougat," "Tornade," and "Tulipe" - the cherished yaks of Sebastien and Anna Bron, farmers near Morzine in Haute-Savoie. In total, this young couple nurtures and grazes eight yaks in the Alpine meadows.
While these distinctive bovines possess an impressive gait and luxurious coats, they are primarily accustomed to the high plateaus of Central Asia. Anna explains, "Yaks are relatives of the cows we have here, but their origins lie in the Himalayas. They are chosen more for their robustness rather than milk quality. In the Himalayas, they are utilized for expeditions and mountain treks. Their fur enables them to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius during winter."
These astonishing creatures are remarkably agile, capable of grazing on extremely steep slopes while adapting effortlessly to various types of terrain. -Sebastien Bron.
Fuelled by their passion for these extraordinary animals, Anna and Sebastien employ yaks for the upkeep of their pastures, complementing the presence of numerous goats on their farm. Sebastien elucidates, "Yaks are highly valued for alpine maintenance. They can graze on the same areas where the goats frequent. These remarkably agile animals can traverse steep slopes and adapt to all kinds of terrain. They are not deterred by inclement weather conditions, be it rain, snow, or wind. Moreover, they consume vegetation that may not be favored by goats."
Behind their mountainous size - yaks can surpass a weight of 500 kilograms - lies a rich tapestry of individual personalities. However, despite their rugged appearance and imposing stature, yaks are remarkably timid. Sebastien shares, "They may appear intimidating, but, truthfully, they are quite shy. They fear us more than we fear them. Some are sociable, some grumpy, and others enjoy affectionate moments. It's akin to humans."
At present, Sebastien and Anna sustain themselves through goat farming. They produce and directly sell cheeses from their farm. In the near future, they plan to diversify their income by incorporating yak meat into their offerings. However, parting with any of their beloved yaks has proven to be a challenge for the couple. Anna heartwarmingly expresses, "They are peaceful and genuinely endearing creatures, much like large teddy bears." Consequently, the eight yaks of Anna and Sebastien will serenely graze throughout the winter, in close proximity to their goat farm.
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