Two water buffalos have stopped traffic on one of Sydney's busiest streets.
They weren't stopping at red lights.
Great shot of two water buffalo charging down #KingSt, #Newtown. Thanks to our viewer Demet for sending it in! #9News
Local radio were on the story quickly.
We've heard reports of bulls or buffalos on the loose in the Inner West... if you've seen something call us on 1300 222 702.
Eyewitnesses reported that they were heading towards the city.
Newtown residents were pretty blasé.
“It was kind of bizarre but it was Newtown so I didn't think it was that unusual.'' #KingSt #WaterBuffalo http://t.co/UR94utmtu9
But the media went into overdrive.
If anyone's in #Newtown right now, and has seen these water #buffalo that are apparently on the loose, please get in touch. We need answers.
Within minutes the news was trending.
'buffalo' is now trending in #Sydney http://t.co/HLHBgyrQFY
First just in Sydney, then across the nation.
Newtown Buffalo, @newtownbuffalo is now trending in Australia http://t.co/P15oTtFddX
Buffalo spotter April Felman heard a rumour the runaways had escaped from a film set.
hey @Samsung do these buffalo belong to you? i saw them on #KingSt #newtown
Surprisingly, it wasn't the first time something like this had happened.
One of my first ever news stories for SMH was about an escaped buffalo in 2009: http://t.co/W2CL4jqIic
Almost a regular occurrence.
Water buffaloes running wild in Sydney? Not the first time a water buffalo has taken to the streets: http://t.co/MTHMzr7eT9
Some people worried how best to share the news.
There's no emoji for water buffalo, so I can't fully explain this Newtown thing to anyone under the age of 25.
Others thought it might be a stunt.
10 bucks says that the Newtown Water Buffalo is another stunt by Nandos. Tomorrow we eat their new Buffalo Burger. http://t.co/6oSCaxvDBS
Soon the buffalo had a Twitter account.
Dressed like this in Newtown. Didn't think anyone would notice. #newtownbuffalo #youthinkilookweird
And were taking part in the latest internet crazes.
#newtownbuffalo #nomakeupselfie
Eventually, puffed out, they stopped for a rest.
Interesting sight in a Newtown front yard. They look at home, no? Fireys and wranglers trying to get them home.
Making a great excuse for anyone skipping work.
WILD INNER-WEST: Sorry boss I won't be in today... there's..ah.. buffalo in my frontyard...? http://t.co/VVJLCUbF0O
Eventually the buffalo were cornered.
UPDATE #Camperdown: #FRNSW #firefighters using ladders & f/fighting equipment to corral water buffalo in a makeshift pen at Carrillion Ave.
Firefighters considered their next move carefully.
.@FRNSW cornering two water buffalo which stormed off a television commercial set in #Sydney's inner west. #9News
Discussed their options.
And decided the best thing to do was send in a man in a cowboy hat.
