‘Buddy,’ A Beefalo Who Escaped A Slaughterhouse, Dies At FLA Sanctuary

CONNECTICUT — Buddy the Beefalo, who became a legend after escaping from a slaughterhouse and then evading capture for several months, has died.

The Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida, where Buddy has been living, announced the news late Monday on its Facebook page.

“It looked like he had fallen asleep and just didn’t wake up,” his caretakers said.

Buddy escaped from the slaughterhouse in August of 2020. The beefalo, a cross between a bison and domestic cattle, spent more than eight months on the run around the Plymouth area before being captured.

The Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit organization which depends on donations, ultimately took him in, and he had been living there ever since.

“We really thought he would be OK. His physical signs were good. Even our vets, who normally trend toward being cautiously pessimistic, were cautiously optimistic,” the sanctuary said.

According to the sanctuary, Buddy’s years there had been calm, stress-free and “filled with beautiful moments.” The sanctuary also posted a video of Buddy at his Florida home.

“I am grateful he was given this gift. I know he was grateful, too,” the Facebook post said.

Earlier in the week, the sanctuary had posted about Buddy getting stuck in mud and needing to be rescued. After veterinary care, he appeared to be “eating and drinking well, and acting like his usual self,” according to the sanctuary. The next post was about Buddy passing away.

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 170 people had commented on Facebook about Buddy’s passing.

Deborah Battista, for example, wrote, “Being from the neighboring town I am truly saddened to hear this news about Buddy. Thanks to your sanctuary for taking him and giving him a good life.”

Shelby O'Donnell Taylor added, “I’m so sorry for your loss. During the bleak days of lockdown and uncertainty, Buddy’s bid for freedom really kept us engaged, rooting for him all the way. We were so happy when he was able to come live with you. Thanks for giving him the chance he fought for.”

Read more:
Buddy The Beefalo Captured, Will Go To Animal Sanctuary
Plymouth Police Closing In On Elusive Beefalo