Bill 33, a retired Naval Academy goat mascot, has died

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The United States Naval Academy said that goat mascot Bill 33 has died.

The Capital Gazette reports that the announcement was made Thursday.

The fuzzy Angora goat was affectionately known as “Blue Eyes” and would have been 14 years old next week. The goat was the team mascot from 2008 to 2015.

Sad news this week for Navy fans– Retired Navy mascot Bill 33 has moved on to greener pastures. He is survived by Bill 34 (also retired) and current mascots Bill 36 and Bill 37, all Angora goats.#Bill33 was easily recognized, as he was the only Navy goat with blue eyes. pic.twitter.com/t4q5c8JlMh

— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) January 7, 2021

Bill 33 played a central role in an Army-Navy prank that had gone too far in 2012. He was kidnapped from his home at Maryland Sunrise Farm in Gambrills.

Bill 33 suffered from health issues caused by old age and was humanely euthanized when it became clear that his condition would not improve.

He is survived by successors and current goat mascots Bills 36 and 37.