Well, technically, it is a bull, because it is male.

It is a free-roaming Brahman, a breed of Zebu cattle that originated from South Asia, identifiable by its large, pendulous ears and dewlaps, also known as loose skin that hangs from the neck or throat. It also has a prominent hump over its shoulders.

Meant to run wild and free — all alone, sadly — no one knows for sure when or how did the solitary bovine end up on the secluded Coney Island.

One theory is that it fell off a boat transporting live cattle and made its way to the shore.

Another theory, according to the National Parks Board (NParks):

Where did it come from?

The cow may have wandered in from Punggol or Lorong Halus. It was only noticed after the dam crossings were built. But as no one has reported a lost cow, its presence on the island remains a mystery.

But it has been there for several years now and it is officially under the purview of NParks, where it undergoes veterinary check-ups every six months to make sure it is healthy. ? ? ?

Visitors to the park are advised not to startle the creature, take close-up photos or attempt to feed it. And of course, do not attempt to milk it (because you can’t) or eat it (because you shouldn’t) either.

NParks’ decision to allow this sort of megafauna to run free is amusing, to say the least: It is probably based on the merit that the bull is no longer skittish around humans.

Coney Island is self-sustaining — like the cow

And another interesting thing to note about Coney Island is that it is a park “built on the principles of environment sustainability”, according to NParks.

Toilets, for instance, are zero-energy and self-sufficient.

Electricity is generated via solar power to power the pumps for the toilets, while water used for flushing and hand washing is harvested from rainwater.

Diffused sunlight is used to provide light indoors.

Park signages, seats, benches, boardwalk, as well as exhibits on the island are made from Casuarina timber from uprooted trees that were collected and recycled.