We first noticed a magnificent dark fawn suri male in a catalogue from Peru in about 2000/2001. We were the agents for the Peruvian sale, but didn't think about buying an animal.

After The King (as he has always been known) came into Australia we bought a third share of him with Surtierra and Avon Park. He was a gentle male and a pleasure to work with. We think that he was aware that he was named The King as he acted like he was in charge!

We were impressed with his progeny, but even more impressed with his grandchildren, as this is where there was an amazing step-up in quality. We are now using a lovely brown grandson of The King's as a stud sire and a King granddaughter last year won Adult Female Champion at the 2009 National Show.

The King's progeny were popular and sold well, so now we don't have many left in our herd. We are really glad that we have retained one of his grandsons to carry on his genetics and presence in our herd.

This amazing male survived the rigours of quarantines and a long flight half way around the world and has lived a very productive life. His contribution to the Australian coloured suri herd has been invaluable and his ancestors will go on to be proof of this.

... Ian and Angela Preuss

The King was one of the most likeable and gentle working males I ever had the pleasure to work with. I am very sad at his passing. I still have several of his sons & daughters in my herd and am very proud of what The King achieved for Surtierra. I still think he has been the most influential coloured suri male imported into Australia.

... Glenda Bartlett

The King was a pleasure and a gentleman to work with; he looked for cues from us and willingly followed them through. His cria have been a delight to behold and he has certainly improved our respective herds. The King was an intelligent animal who was always king of the barn or the paddock, the alpha male. In his last week under the care of the vets who had become fond of him, they reported on how wonderful he was to look after; that whenever they had to help him get up or move that King would thank them. We could just see that happening. He had a gracious and dignified presence right up to the end. We are all saddened at his death.

... Deb Nanschild, Val Johanson, Lezley Golding