What We Know: Crisco, the well-known wild goat that spent years roaming Backbone Bluff above Table Rock Lake, has died after falling into the water over the weekend.
The 15-year-old goat slipped from the bluff Saturday, July 25, and a diver recovered his body Sunday from about 22 feet below the surface.
What It Means: According to Eureka Springs Safari Park, Crisco had shown signs of heat stress in the days leading up to the fall.
The park said he had been stumbling, panting and losing his footing before the accident.
Brian Fenimore and his family witnessed the fall while boating nearby. His two sons dove into the water several times in an effort to find Crisco but were unable to locate him.
The family later shared what happened online so others would know.
On Sunday, volunteers from White River Dive Company in Branson and Sea Tow in Hollister helped recover the goat.
Using GPS, crews found Crisco about 40 feet from where he entered the lake. Diver Louis Chapman said poor visibility made it impossible to spot him from the surface.
What’s Next: Crisco’s body was taken to Eureka Springs Safari Park, where he will be cremated.
The park said it plans to hold a celebration of his life at a later date and thanked the volunteer crews for helping bring the longtime local favorite home.
(Photo provided by Branson, Missouri USA Facebook page)