An out-of-place Brahman steer known for his bold escapes from the saleyards in his youth has unwittingly become an icon for the south-west Victorian town of Mortlake.
Key points:
- Big Boss came to Mortlake as a calf more than 13 years ago
- Brahmans are unusual in the region and are much more common in warmer areas
A photo posted on social media sparked an outpouring of admiration for the bullock
The hefty Big Boss, named after his breed, Bos indicus, that is more common in warmer parts of the country, sticks out among the smaller cattle seen around the lush dairy region.
Mortlake's Bill O'Brien has become the caretaker of Big Boss, and was part of the original group of people from the town's social club associated with the agribusiness Elders that purchased the steer as a calf more than 13 years ago.
"He was bought at the Warrnambool saleyards as a six-month-old animal," he said.
"The idea was to fatten him up, grow him out and turn him over to make a few dollars for the social club.
"That didn't eventuate and he's just rolled on and on and he's lived a pretty good life here."
Big Boss became 'part of the scenery' after many escapes
Mr O'Brien said that in the early days, every time the club considered taking Big Boss to the saleyards he would make them change their minds.
"We were going to sell him so every time we'd have a muster we'd get him into the yards there with other cattle," he said.
"He got very excited and very nervous and we didn't want him to injure somebody so we always used to open the gate and let him go."
"He has escaped going to market on many occasions, so that's how he's come to be part of the scenery in Mortlake."
A few years ago, Big Boss was grouped in with other cattle being taken to the saleyards.
Mr O'Brien said even though the steer was not going to be sold on that occasion, the stubborn defiance of his youth kicked in.
"As he was heading down the road he said 'this is not for me'," he said.
"He just turned around and leapt the fence which I think is a pretty great effort.
"He could be 1,200 or 1,300 kilos, so the power to generate that kind of lift shows his determination."
A photo of Big Boss recently posted on social media sparked an outpouring of admiration for the bullock, who can often be spotted near the road in his paddock just outside town.
People pull up in their cars to take photos and locals in the town of just over 1,000 people have begun describing him as an icon.
"I can assure all his fans that he won't be going anywhere," Mr O'Brien said.
Likeness of 'majestic' bullock won art show prize
High school student and budding artist Caitlin Martin moved to Mortlake four years ago.
Once she heard the story of Big Boss's escapades, she was so taken with him she decided to paint him.
"He fascinated me, he's just so big and beautiful," she said.
Ms Martin's painting won a prize in last year's Mortlake Art Show in a category reserved for emerging young artists.
"He's become a bit of a character — you know him as the Brahman in the paddock," she said.
"You know which one he is, he's a big boy."
Ms Martin named her painting using a word she believed summed up the character of the steer who's become part of the community — majestic.