A humane society in Woodstock has announced the winning name for a cow that got loose and had to be captured following a high school senior prank in Niles last month.
The Niles Police Department said they responded around 2:56 a.m. April 27 to the 8300 block of Ballard Avenue for a report of suspicious subjects in the area.
Officers spoke with several juveniles that were determined to be students at Northridge Preparatory School.
The students were involved in what was described as a “senior prank” where they were bringing live animals to the school, police said.
A cow escaped from the students and went into the local neighborhood.
Law enforcement worked with Wagner Farms to secure the cow.
A police investigation revealed the animals involved were purchased on Craiglist by the students involved.
A pig was purchased near Dixon and the cow was purchased near Winneconne, Wisconsin.
Chickens belonging to a student were also brought to the school, police said.
Wagner Farms was unable to take the cow, leading it to be brought to Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock.
Hooved Animal Humane Society, which was founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of large animals.
The school administration refused to pursue any criminal charges against the students, police said.
The students involved were issued village ordinance citations for curfew violation, disorderly conduct, animal feces accumulation not permitted and prohibited animal species.
“She is settling in nicely and enjoying a lush green pasture. We are grateful that the generosity of our supporters made this moment a reality for her,” Hooved Animal Humane Society said in a social media post after receiving the cow.
The humane society set up a naming contest for the cow where participants were asked to make a donation with their suggestions.
Hundreds of name suggestions were received and the winning name was selected on Monday as “Blossom.”
“Which we think is so fitting since she is truly blossoming before our eyes every day,” the humane society said.
Blossom will be available for adoption soon.