Tehachapi News

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Just East of the Tehachapi wind farms lies Windswept Ranch, a  breeding ground for the magic of the holiday season...and possibly, Santa’s future Flying Forces.

While it’s been centuries since any vacancies have become available on Santa’s famous team of 8-tiny reindeer, Diana and David Frieling feel confident that one fine holiday, any one of their six affable antlered hopefuls could be granted a flying chance...

“I think every one of them have a good chance of being chosen to pull Santa’s sleigh,” Diana said enthusiastically before faltering slightly. “Well, except for Snowflake...We have to work on her attitude. She’s on Santa’s ‘naughty list’ right now.”

Located near the top of Santa’s “nice list” are the Frielings, owners of Windswept Ranch and operators of All About Animals. This exotic animal rescue is home to camels, zebra, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, buffalo, goats and other “hoofed stock”  of all sizes. They also breed some of their animals and are dedicated to providing educational programs that promote interest and knowledge of agriculture, while helping fund the care of more rescued creatures. The Frielings and their animals travel all over the state to fairs, festivals and private events, but they  do not rescue domestic animals — nor do they provide rentals for backyard barbeques and birthday parties.

“When you take an animal in you become responsible for that animal,” said Diana. “I try to teach kids that if a camel lives for 40 years, you need to think about what it will eat, how you will clean up after it...basically we try to teach people about the responsibility of caring for that animal for the rest of its life.”

Another goal of the Frieling’s educational programs is to boost children’s self esteem through interaction with animals. Successfully leading a zebra, camel, or  alpaca through an obstacle course gives kids the unique opportunity to earn their “driver’s license” to operate one of these exotic, “4-on-the-floor, all-hoof-drive models.”

Although the degree of cooperation might vary from animal to animal based on what kind of day each 4-legged individual is having, their  two legged leaders are always smiling at the finish line.

When asked which animal is the most difficult to work with, Diana responded like any dedicated mom might.

“I don’t know, is one kid more difficult than the other?”

The hard work of caring for the animals is another story. Diana says the reindeer are the most difficult simply because of their complicated nutritional needs. According to Frieling, approximately 30 reindeer currently live in California, while  only five people in the state are licensed to keep them.

Camels are just, well, big and slow and prone to...moodiness.

Diana said the easiest to care for are alpacas.

“They’re hearty animals; really pleasant to be around.”

An added bonus is their hygienic habit of using a common dung area which she readily admitted is, “Really nice. Really, really nice.”

Still, picking a favorite is tough for Diana.

“I think the zebra will always be exotic to me. There’s just something mystical about them. There’s not   really a word you could use to describe a zebra,” she said. “I don’t think the wild has been bread out of them. They’re not fully domesticated. And it’s always a mystery whether or not you’re gonna get kicked.”

Having retired in 2000 from fast- paced jobs in the garment and banking industries, the Frielings are happy with the slower, four-hoofed, off road pace their life has taken.

“We just looked at each other one day and said, we need a change.”

To their shared surprise and delight, life has been a zoo ever since.

“It’s a great job! We get to play with animals everyday, and some days we get to play with kids while they play with our animals,” Diana said in a ebullient tone.
While the Frieling’s children are   grown, they are now raising their 2-year-old grandson, Alex.

“He thinks it’s perfectly normal to have have a camel outside your  back door and to invite him in to share a carrot,” she said.

It’s clear that a child-like love for  animals lives in Alex’ grandparents also.

“I think the reindeer are really fun,” said Diana still hesitant to choose a “favorite.”

“Most people have never seen a reindeer and lots of people think they’re just made up. The kids are always so full of wonder and they always ask, ‘Do they really fly?”

Her response, “Only on Christmas!”

“One child who didn’t believe in Santa was so amazed to see that real reindeer actually exist that he changed his mind on the spot. To see a child light up with that magical belief is just something truly special. It’s just so wonderful to see the smiles and the wonder on their faces,” she said.

Although Diana’s reindeer only “work” about six weeks out of the year (not on Christmas Eve, “Santa needs a couple of benchwarmers”)     they have “partied with” the likes of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, David Carradine, Ed McMahon, Ozzie Osbourne, Barbara Streisand, and of course, ‘The Man in The Red Suit.’

Still, “Without reindeer, Santa is just a fat man in a red suit,” philosophically states the Frieling’s web site, www.allaboutanimalszoo.com.

Although droppings are a familiar and expected part of the Frieling’s work, “name dropping” is just a perk that comes from the time they donate generously to events and organizations such as Make a Wish Foundation, Toys For Tots, The Blind Children’s Center, the U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton — the Tehachapi Rotary Club’s recent Senior luncheon —  and many more worthy causes.

“We try to give back as much as we can. It’s important to us that the   animals do as much good as they can,” she said.

Whether or not you’re an animal lover, Diana’s All About Animals credo offers some insightful wisdom. Even for those who are allergic to animals — or just to cleaning up after them:

“Everything I need to know, I learned from animals; Listen carefully. Speak softly...and no sudden moves.”

The U.S. Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regularly inspect and provide licensing for all the animals that live at Windswept Ranch. Most of them have been rescued from less than humane circumstances. For more information on All About Animals visit their web site (see story) or call (661)809-3965.