Rare 'panda cow' to be auctioned

CAMPION, Colo., May 7 (UPI) -- A Colorado farmer said he is auctioning off a rare "panda cow" -- a calf born with panda-like coloring patterns -- to benefit a panda charity.

Chris Jenssen of Campion said the bovine, named Ben, was born Jan. 1 with a band of white coloring around its midsection and black ovals around its eyes. He told KMGH-TV, Denver, he plans to auction the rare cow to benefit Pandas International, a charity seeking to preserve actual giant pandas.

"There are only about 24 in the world," Jenssen said of panda cows, adding Ben was the second to be born at his farm.

"Ben is doing absolutely fantastic," Jenssen said. "He's got quite the character."

The farmer said the auction, which he is conducting via e-mail, will run through the end of May.