A rugged herd of American bison, once filmed galloping across Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch, found a new home—and a second act—at William S. Hart Park in Newhall on this day in 1962, thanks to a generous donation by Disney himself.

On April 16, 1962, eight buffalo—some of the largest, toughest, and most expensive animals in the Hollywood film industry—were relocated from Disney’s 420-acre ranch to the pastoral grounds of Hart Park. The move marked the end of what was dubbed “Hollywood’s last buffalo roundup,” as Disney’s team of three full-time cowboys carefully coaxed the reluctant bison into trailers using a mix of oats, parsnips, and molasses.

These buffalo were no ordinary livestock. Purchased by Disney in the late 1950s from the Diamond Bar Ranch, they were originally intended to serve as on-screen talent for his growing library of Western-themed films and television shows. 

The bison appeared in multiple Disney productions, including The Saga of Andy Burnett, Mountain Men, and Sancho, the Homesick Steer. 

During their time at Golden Oak Ranch—near the very location where gold was once discovered by Francisco Lopez in 1842—they roamed freely, capturing the spirit of the Old West on camera and in reality.

Tragedy struck early on when a misinformed hunter mistakenly shot the herd’s original bull, believing it to be a deer. Disney later acquired a new bull to complete the group, and the herd thrived, even welcoming a calf. 

However, as production needs changed and the ranch shifted toward more cattle grazing, Disney looked to rehome the bison. When the best commercial offer came from a meat packer at just twenty cents per pound, Los Angeles County officials stepped in to preserve the historic animals.

With a gentle nudge from county supervisors, Disney agreed to donate the entire herd to Hart Park, fulfilling both a conservation goal and a nod to Hollywood’s Western heritage. The official transfer took place on a Monday morning at the start of Easter vacation, with Disney and L.A. County Supervisor Warren Dorn present to mark the occasion. Crowds of children and the press looked on as the bison were welcomed into their new habitat.

Hart Park, originally the home of silent film cowboy William S. Hart, has long served as a sanctuary for animals and a living tribute to the Western legacy. 

Among its previous residents was historic horses like Roaney and Gentle, both well into their 30s, and movie mounts including Bill Elliott’s Thunder and Duncan Renaldo’s palomino. Other animals—many donated—include goats, pigs, rabbits, pheasants, and even a peacock and a sorority-sponsored goat.

The park, encompassing 268 acres, remains open to the public free of charge, per Hart’s will. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds, explore the historic ranch house and museum, and marvel at Hollywood’s last buffalo herd.

The arrival of the bison underscored Hart Park’s continued role as a haven for Western heritage and a living exhibit for generations of visitors. Thanks to Disney’s donation, a piece of film history—and the untamed spirit of the American frontier—lives on in the Santa Clarita Valley.

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