DES MOINES, Iowa — After days on the run, a rogue water buffalo is back in captivity, Pleasant Hill officials announced Wednesday.
The animal was located in a pond near the East Des Moines Girls Softball Field just off of Scott Avenue on Tuesday evening. Officials monitored the water buffalo through the night before creating a plan to capture it Wednesday morning.
Multiple agencies and animal welfare organizations were called in to support Pleasant Hill police, including Polk County Conservation, Des Moines Animal Control, Blank Park Zoo and the Animal Rescue League.
The water buffalo's capture marks the end to a bizarre saga that has gripped central Iowa. The water buffalo escaped from its owner on Saturday, Aug. 24. The animal "became aggressive" when officers attempted to approach it, according to the Pleasant Hill officials, leading an officer to fire a single gunshot at the water buffalo. Pleasant Hill officials claim the city did not have access to tranquilizers to simply sedate the animal.
The wounded water buffalo fled, leading to a multi-day search for the creature. Pleasant Hill police used a drone to search the area, as well as ATVs to look around bicycle trails and Little Fourmile Creek.
How was the buffalo captured?
The water buffalo was "coaxed out of the water" before being shot with a tranquilizer, according to the City of Pleasant Hill.
"The Water Buffalo was immobilized, loaded into a trailer, and treated with reversal drugs, antibiotics, and vitamins," the city said.
The animal is headed to the Iowa State University Large Animal Hospital and the city added "charges may be filed" against the animal's owner.
What is the buffalo's name?
While the buffalo had been going by the name Hank, many — including apparel store RAYGUN — are calling him "Phill" based on the proximity to Pleasant Hill.