PHill, Iowa's Infamous Water Buffalo, Has Died

PHill, the giant water buffalo who got statewide attention last year after he escaped from his owner near Pleasant Hill and led police on a chase, has died according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

PHill fell ill at his new home, the Iowa Farm Sanctuary near Oxford, Iowa. The Gazette reports that PHill, named from the Des Moines suburb from which he escaped, fell ill last week and was transported to the large animal hospital at Iowa State University. He was found to be unsteady, lethargic, and had stopped eating. It was later discovered that PHill was in critical condition.

Friday, PHill began to crash and doctors told the Iowa Farm Sanctuary there was nothing more they could do. He would later pass away. The Gazette reports that the Iowa Farm Sanctuary has not posted any details about what might have caused PHill's illness. A social media post lists several possibilities including lead toxicity from the bullet police shot him with. The Gazette reports that it was still lodged inside of PHill.

PHill became famous last August when he escaped slaughter on a small acreage near Pleasant Hill. According to the Gazette, police fired a gun at PHill, striking him, but he continued to run. Animal Rescue groups apprehended him four days later and he was treated for his injuries at Iowa State University.

The Gazette reports that Iowa Farm Sanctuary negotiated with PHill's owners to take him and two other water buffaloes. The three animals arrived at the sanctuary in September.