Carriage horse Bambi causes chaos after spooking in Central Park
- A carriage horse named Bambi got spooked by a garbage truck in Central Park, leading to a chaotic situation as she bolted.
- The incident took place on September 1, 2025, and witnesses described it as terrifying, especially with many tourists around.
- Bambi's crash marks the fourth time this year that a horse has gotten loose in the park, raising significant safety concerns.
In the United States, a runaway carriage horse named Bambi caused a panic in Central Park when she got loose and ran through the park, crashing into a sign and another parked carriage. This incident occurred on the morning of September 1, 2025, and was recorded in a video that circulated on social media. According to witnesses, the chaos appeared to arise when Bambi was startled by the loud sound of a garbage truck. While two individuals attempted to calm her down, the horse bolted, leading individuals in the vicinity to flee for their safety. Transport Workers Union Local 100 representative Christina Hansen stated that Bambi, who had previously been comfortable around large vehicles, reacted unexpectedly due to the noise from the garbage truck, which was louder than she had encountered before. This event was particularly alarming because it put both people and the horse at risk. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, although the driver was understandably shaken and expressed the desire to file a report highlighting the dangerous driving behavior around horses. Witnesses reported terrifying moments during the incident, noting the dense presence of tourists and children in the area. Danielle Chin, a nearby observer, described the situation as frightening, emphasizing that it was fortunate that no humans were harmed during the debacle. The horse was later reported to be resting in her stall and required clearance from the Department of Health to resume carriage work. The incident was not isolated; it marked a pattern this year where Bambi is now noted as the fourth horse to get loose in the park. Many animal advocacy groups, including New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), have raised concerns about the public safety risks posed by horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, calling for a halt to their operation. In the past month, the Central Park Conservancy has formally opposed the continuation of these carriages, reflecting increasing pressure from advocates and the public to reconsider their presence in such a busy urban environment.