Buffalo’s Great Escape: From Death Row to Fame
The residents of Pleasant Hill, Iowa were left in awe on August 24th when an Asian buffalo was spotted roaming the streets. What started as a surprising sight soon turned into a heartwarming story of community effort and compassion.
After a police report was filed, it was revealed that the buffalo had escaped from a potential slaughter at the last minute. The owner of the water buffalo claimed that the animal was aggressive and dangerous, leading to concerns about public safety from Pleasant Hill City spokesperson Candace Bell.
In a dramatic turn of events, a police officer attempted to capture the buffalo by firing a shot, hitting it in the stomach. However, the wounded buffalo managed to escape, prompting a search around the city. Despite the animal being labeled as aggressive by authorities, many locals believed otherwise and called for the buffalo to be spared.
The escaped buffalo, affectionately named PHill by the community, quickly gained popularity, leading to the creation of the “Free Phil” movement. T-shirts with slogans supporting PHill’s freedom were made available, reflecting the growing sentiment of the public.
After several days of being on the run, PHill was successfully captured by authorities with the help of a zoo and rescue organization. The buffalo was then taken to Iowa State University’s animal hospital for treatment, where it was found to have a bullet lodged in its body but no serious internal injuries.
Following PHill’s safe capture, plans were made to relocate the buffalo to the Iowa Farm Animal Shelter, where it would have 40 acres of land to roam freely. The shelter’s founder, Jered Camp, assured that PHill would live out the rest of its days in safety and comfort.
Investigations into PHill’s owner revealed past incidents involving similar situations and possession of other buffalo. The other buffalo were transferred to the Iowa Sanctuary, and the investigation into the owner’s actions is still ongoing.
Overall, the story of PHill’s escape and subsequent rescue captured the hearts of the Pleasant Hill community, showcasing the power of unity and empathy in times of adversity.
