EXOTIC ANIMAL AUCTION ATTRACTS BUYERS, SELLERS

FRUITLAND -- As many as 1,500 exotic animals -- from antelopes to zedonks -- and 500 to 600 animal buyers and sellers from throughout the U.S. are expected in Cape Girardeau County this weekend for an annual fall animal auction.

The three-day Mid-America Animal Sale -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- starts today at 9 a.m. at Fruitland Livestock Sales Inc. barn.

"Buyers and sellers from a number of states will be here," said Neal Franke of Mid-America Animal Auction. People flock into this area twice a year seeking exotic animal breeds.

"We'll see up to 600 people here each day," said Franke. "We have already talked to people from New York, Florida, Texas and North Dakota."

The animals range in value from $50 to more than $2,000.

"We usually have more animals and buyers for the fall sale," said Franke, who conducts two sales a year -- spring and fall.

There will be animals for almost everyone at the auction.

The lengthy list includes Indian antelopes, spotted donkeys, water buffalo, wildebeest, elk, red deer, ostriches, wild hogs, camels and zebras.

"We'll have watuses, a long-horned variety of steer, and Orioles," said Franke. The Orioles are black cattle with white stripes.

Other favorites will include miniature brahmas, miniature donkeys, llamas, horses and cattle.

Llamas are always a favorite at the auctions, said Franke, of Uniontown. A lot of animal lovers look for them.

Birds on the list include parrots, chickens, emus, swans and ostriches.

One animal short in numbers for this sale will be the American buffalo, or bison, said Franke.

"Buffalo prices have soared," he said. "Many owners are selling them direct to buyers now.'

The 1997 event marks the fifth year for the Mid-America Animal Sales, but exotic animals have crossed the auction block here for more than 20 years with Dave Hale and Five-H Animal Ranch conducting two-, three- and four-day sales in the past.

Hale now concentrates on auctioneering for animal sales. He was auctioneer here during the spring sale, but had a previous commitment this weekend.

Auctioneers include L. R. Brandes of Jackson, Ken Carney of Dexter and Scottie Wilson of Sparta, Tenn.

The auction barn will open at 7 a.m. each day, with the sale to start two hours later.

All animals sold at the auction must meet health and industry standards established by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. A number of livestock enforcement officers from the department will attend.

Franke and his wife, Michelle, hold two exotic auctions a year -- in April and October. The also raise buffalo, sheep and miniature donkeys.

Additional information is available by calling 243-4255.