The cow that went to college? It really happened.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (57723)
April 29, 2026 10:16pm CST
We've heard of extremely young people going to college occasionally, maybe 14, 15 years old. Not the norm for sure, but it does happen occasionally. But have you ever heard of a cow going to a major university? I hadn't, either--until today.
A cow was being unloaded at the University of Illinois veterinary clinic. Perhaps the cow wasn't aware of just how much it costs to go to that clinic, or was afraid of needles, or just had spring fever--whatever her reason, she broke loose and ran off. She wondered through many campus streets, in heavy traffic much of the time. Somehow no cars hit her. Students were herded away from her constantly. She was finally captured and tranquilized in order to get her to the vet clinic, so she is safe.
A very unique experience for a cow!
A cow got loose while being unloaded from a trailer and traveled through campus, drawing crowds of onlookers before being safely captured.
9 people like this
9 responses
@FourWalls (85588)
• United States
13h
Running away from the doctor, sounds like she was already pretty smart. 
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (57723)
•
13h
I don’t blame her a bit! I’m sure the cow was surprised to find herself in a traffic jam!
4 people like this
@freelancermariagrace (29331)
• Philippines
10h
Oh no! Maybe she was frightened. I’m glad she wasn’t hit by a vehicle.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (57723)
•
9h
It definitely could have happened. At least now she is safe!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (57723)
•
9h
It’s so congested in that area of the city that it’s almost a miracle that she wasn’t hit by a car,the way she was running around in front of them. I bet she never tries that again!
2 people like this
@Jehanne (1202)
•
1h
What once like you seen in a movie then suddenly happened in real life. 
Everyone did experience it for real without a script. Glad no one was harmed but those people who got delayed due to the cow for sure they are annoyed but at the same time find it amusing seeing a cow wondered in a busy campus.
Everyone did experience it for real without a script. Glad no one was harmed but those people who got delayed due to the cow for sure they are annoyed but at the same time find it amusing seeing a cow wondered in a busy campus.
@snowy22315 (206757)
• United States
2h
Mooo ve over she chanted as she ran through the streets.
. There were some loose cows here just the other day. The sheriff's office was trying to find the owners. I guess somebody left a gate open, or maybe they were just abandoned who knows? Hopefully, it was just a mistake.
. There were some loose cows here just the other day. The sheriff's office was trying to find the owners. I guess somebody left a gate open, or maybe they were just abandoned who knows? Hopefully, it was just a mistake.
