The research goat that escaped during a transfer operation on Jan. 29.Photo courtesy of the University of IowaUPDATE BELOW
As of Feb. 4, a goat that broke loose from its portable carrier at the University of Iowa's Research Park in Coralville Jan. 29 had still not been recaptured, according to Huffpost College.
In a Feb. 2 press release, the school asked "North Liberty residents to report any sightings of a male, cream-and-white goat."
The release said the goat had been seen numerous times since its escape, mainly "north of the research park and as far east as the Dubuque Street NE neighborhoods near the Coralville Dam area." Though officials with the school's Office of Animal Resources have been searching the area daily, they've come up empty so far. They said in the release that the goat, about the size of a small deer and weighing 125 pounds, "may be approaching the housing developments and farms in the southeast North Liberty area near 12th Avenue."
The goat doesn't seem to be particularly frightened, as it's been seen most often on both front and rear porches of homes and UI veterinarians said its likely the goat will try to find food and shelter in area homes.
"Although the animal is in excellent health and poses no public health risk, members of the public who spot the animal should contact UI Public Safety at 319-335-5022," the press release concluded.
PETA had a different opinion, as reported in HuffPost College. In a letter to the university, Alka Chandna, a senior laboratory oversight specialist at PETA, urged the school to retire the goat to "an accredited sanctuary." In another letter, dated Feb. 2 and quoted in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, Chandna also disputed the university's view of the goat's health, stating that "It is unclear whether the goat sustained any injuries as a result of the escape or whether the goat will be safely captured." Chandna pointed out that the goat had been exposed to freezing temperatures for 96 hours and was likely hungry and scared.
However, accounts of residents who had spotted the goat seem to show it in a relatively calm state. Iowa City resident Margot Bilanin told the Press-Citizen that she and her partner spotted the animal "laying back, catching rays" on Sunday and that it appeared "healthy and alert."
A photo posted to Twitter Tuesday afternoon by a resident claiming to show the goat, also appeared to show it in relatively good health.
UPDATE: On Feb. 8, the University of Iowa Office of Animal Resources reported in a press release that they had recaptured the goat around 3:30 p.m., "near the intersection of 1st Avenue and Auburn East Lane, between Coralville and North Liberty." The statement added that "veterinarians who examined the animal say that it is in good health."
- With files from Huffpost College, the Iowa City Press-Citizen, and the University of Iowa
