In a saga that captured hearts and stirred concern, Ricardo, the famed bull who embarked on a daring jaunt along New Jersey Transit tracks in December, now finds himself in a different sort of journey—one of recovery at Cornell Large Animal Hospital. Battling an infection since Christmas, Ricardo’s resilience shines through, according to updates from Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, the haven that rescued him.
“Ricardo is doing great, he’s on the mend, and we’re waiting for the wound to be totally healed, and then we’ll bring him home,” shared Mike Stura, president and founder of Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue.
The ordeal began with an innocuous abrasion on Ricardo’s right hind leg, akin to a “half-dollar sized road rash,” upon his arrival at the sanctuary. Initially manageable with antibiotics, concern mounted when the wound appeared inflamed on Christmas Eve, prompting a 3½-hour journey to Cornell, where veterinary marvels awaited.
At Cornell, Ricardo underwent a series of interventions, including sedation for wound flushing and cleaning, alongside X-rays and ultrasounds to assess the extent of the infection, which mercifully had not reached his bones. A full leg cast was applied to restrict joint movement and aid healing.
Amidst the ongoing treatment, Skylands diligently kept Ricardo’s admirers updated with snapshots and videos, depicting his brave battle against the stubborn infection. Despite the setbacks, Ricardo’s spirit remained unwavering, earning him praise as a “good boy” from his devoted followers.
As of January 14, signs of progress emerged, offering hope that Ricardo is steadily on the mend. Stura reassured that Ricardo’s infection is under control, with only a lingering wound to address.
With Ricardo’s well-being taking precedence, Skylands affirmed their commitment to his recovery, declaring he will remain at Cornell until fully healed. “Ricardo’s health comes before anything else,” the sanctuary emphasized.
Once cleared for return, Ricardo will find solace at Skylands, his forever home, where a brief isolation period will precede his reunion with the sanctuary’s animal community. In this tale of resilience and compassion, Ricardo’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals.