Oliver the Watusi, a well-known figure at parades and festivals across Liberty County and beyond, is officially retiring at the age of 21.
Owned by Vincent Browning and Michelle Lumpkin of Raywood, Oliver has long been a crowd favorite at the Trinity Valley Exposition Rodeo Parade each October, as well as Dayton Ole Tyme Days, Mayhaw Festival and the Liberty Jubilee. His wide-spanning horns and steady temperament have made him a staple at community events for nearly two decades. Many children throughout the area have had their photos taken with Oliver during that time.
Oliver was raised from a calf by Browning, the offspring of his first Watusi, Oscar, and a cow named Orange Girl. Oscar was Browning’s introduction to the breed, though he proved too wild to tame. Orange Girl came later, purchased by chance at a cattle auction. From their pairing came Oliver, who showed early signs of the calmness that made him so popular.
“I started working with Oliver when he was a little bitty baby. I used to just ride him up and down the road in front of my house to get him used to noise and traffic, and different stuff,” Browning said.
Though Oliver grew into a massive bull with horns stretching several feet across, Browning said he always trusted him.
“I had a pretty good handle on him, so I wasn’t too nervous,” he said.
Oliver’s horn span now measures 119 inches from tip to tip, making him an unmistakable presence wherever he goes.
Oliver made his first appearance at the TVE Parade around 2007 or 2008, Browning recalls, and took part almost every year until about two years ago, when age began to slow him down. Sometimes he was joined by Tyson, the family’s Longhorn, though Tyson’s spirited nature made him more difficult to manage. Browning still hopes to have Tyson ready for the upcoming TVE Parade in October.
Beyond Liberty County, Oliver’s reputation spread after a viral video showed Browning and Lumpkin taking him inside a Petco store, where his calm demeanor and towering horns left a lasting impression on staff and customers. His growing fan base eventually led to him being named the official mascot of the Texas Motorplex in Ennis.
Today, Browning and Lumpkin’s farm is home to more than a dozen Watusi and two Longhorns, in addition to chickens, guineas, and other animals. Browning explained that while Longhorns and Watusi are both hardy breeds, the difference lies in the horns — Watusi horns are larger in circumference, while Longhorn horns, though still large, are thinner.
Oliver will now live out his retirement on the Raywood farm, grazing alongside younger Watusi. His favorite snacks, including watermelon and pumpkin, will still be part of his routine.
“He will be hanging out with the little calves,” Browning said.
With a typical Watusi lifespan of 25 to 30 years, Oliver’s caretakers expect to have a few more years with him.
For Browning and Lumpkin, Oliver is more than livestock.
“Our animals, Oliver in particular, are like members of our family,” she said. “He will be receiving the best of care for the rest of his life.”
One of the new Watusi calves, still unnamed, is already being trained to follow in Oliver’s big footsteps.
That should be in the Guinness book of world records. It’s incredible!