We’ve told you before about Barney the Buffalo who died while trying to escape the circus. It’s one of our favorite Orlando-based stories – though not quite as memorable as the stories of Darth Billy the Swan.

Barney was part of the Buffalo Bill circus that visited Orlando back in October 1912. He was being ushered around by a group of cattle prodders, or “punchers,” who were trying to load him into his train car after one of his performances before taking it upon himself to make a break for it.

Barney busted into a department store, chased people down Orange Avenue, and ultimately collapsed of exhaustion at the intersection of Church Street and Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. Where he died.

We think we should commemorate the passing of this noble beast, that died in the City Beautiful while trying to escape a circus, probably shouting “Freedom” at the sky like a blue-painted Scotsman, albeit in Buffalo, with a statue.

If you’d like to help us make it happen, email our editor at [email protected].

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