Ricardo the longhorn's escape on NJ tracks inspires plush toy supporting animal sanctuary

NEWARK, N.J. (TND) — It didn't take long for Ricardo the Longhorn to gain some fans after he got loose on rail tracks in New Jersey last week.

New Jersey Transit announced Monday they are now selling a plush toy at their Transit Shoppe to help support Ricardo in his new home atSkylands Animal Sanctuary.

The sanctuary posted videos and photos Thursday of him waking up from the tranquilizer officials had to use to capture him.

Two days later Ricardo was seen recovering in an outside isolation area until gets an OK from the vet, Skylands Animal Sanctuary founder and president Mike Stura said in a video.

Stura told The National Desk he believes the longhorn escaped from a slaughterhouse.

NJ Transit posted a photo of the animal Thursday around 11 a.m. and said stations could be experiencing delays of up to 45 minutes between Newark Penn and PSNY.

Skylands Animal Sanctuary provides a home to over 400 animals on 232 acres in Wantage.

Stura said the sanctuary started 10 years ago when he rescued a Holstein calf named Jimmy who was very sick.

"These animals are rescued from slaughterhouses, live markets, farms, extreme neglect, abuse, religious ceremonies, abandonment and even wandering the streets," according to Stura. "Every animal requires room to run and live unencumbered by the threat of harm and each one gets exactly what they need here at the Skylands Sanctuary."