Phill the water buffalo fitting right in at Iowa Farm Sanctuary

OXFORD, Iowa — Early Sunday morning, in the small quiet town of Oxford, Iowa, a 120 acre sanctuary comes to life.

"The mornings are probably the best time," Jered Camp, co-founder of Iowa Farm Sanctuary, said.

"It is just, you know, a very peaceful time of day," Shawn Camp, who's also a co-founder of the sanctuary, agreed.

The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is home to 130 traditionally farmed animals that have gotten a second chance at life — and on Sunday morning there was added excitement for the annual 5K in honor of a cow named Carl.

"After he passed, we turned into a memorial run for him to kind of raise awareness about the dairy industry and Carl and his life and legacy," Shawn said.

The registrations for the 5K sold out, which might have something to do with their resident celebrity.

Phill's heroic run for freedom captivated thousands, and now those same people are celebrating that he's healthy and home.

"Ever since Phill has arrived, we have just been nonstop," Jered said.

"He's very much a local celebrity," Shawn added.

Story Archive: Phill the water buffalo

Several people expressed relief that he's now safe.

"I was very intrigued by it because I didn't believe that he was vicious like everybody said," Melissa Simmons of Ankeny said. "I was hoping he was going to come to Ankeny and come in backyard."

"Phill made it through so much to be here, but absolutely elated that Phill's here now. I can't believe it honestly," Cameron Sales of Iowa City said.

The beloved water buffalo's new home is right in the middle of a pasture and he's joined by sheep, goats, cows, and his siblings Sal and Jane who were also part of the rescue.

"It's really just a victory all around," Shawn said. "So, it feels pretty good."

A roaming water buffalo inspired a feel-good story.

"Kindness I guess, in the world. Everybody's different, but yet we all need to have love," Melissa said.

"He hasn't really let the world harden him you know, and he still seeks us out for affection. So, I think that's a good lesson for me is don't let the world harden me," Shawn said.

To help support Phill, Sal and Jane just visit the Iowa Farm Sanctuary's website .