December 21, 2023
Provided Image/NJ Transit
The stuffed animal of Ricardo the bull, who was found walking on train tracks in New Jersey recently, has sold out. Sales of the toy will help pay for the bull's stay at Skylands Animal Sanctuary in Sussex County.
People who wanted a souvenir to remember last week's bizarre scene when a bull was found on NJ Transit train tracks appear to have missed their chance — the plushie doll based on the bovine sold out Thursday.
The Texas longhorn who has been named Richardo had wandered onto the tracks at Newark Penn Station in North Jersey just before 11 a.m. on Dec. 14 as bemused commuters watched and posted videos of the animal to social media. Police officers and rescue workers eventually corralled the bull and took him to Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue in Sussex County.
On Tuesday, NJ Transit then began selling a $20 stuff animal inspired by Ricardo, with a portion of proceeds going to Skylands for the bull's care. The plushie was available for preorder, but now, all preorders slots have been filled. The transit authority did not confirm whether more plushies will become available to purchase.
NJ TRANSIT rail service is subject to up to 45 minute delays between Newark Penn and PSNY, due to Police activity near Newark Penn Station. NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by PATH and Hoboken, Newark Penn and 33rd Street New York.
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) December 14, 2023
Police activity: pic.twitter.com/XrtIEK5ZGH
Ricardo's trott along the tracks delayed trains up to 45 minutes during the incident, according to NJ Transit. He was captured a few miles from the station and tranquilized before being taken to the sanctuary, where he was examined by a veterinarian and appeared to be in good health.
It's not clear how Ricardo made his way to the tracks in the first place, although it's suspected that he escaped from a nearby slaughterhouse.
Ricardo isn't the only escaped animal that's made headlines lately. Earlier this month, a pig named Albert Einswine was recovered in Gloucester County. And in October, a pet pig named Kevin Bacon was returned to his family in Gettysburg after 17 days on the run.
