Our five favourite rescue stories
Blog
Together with your support, we work alongside our partners to rescue animals caught in disasters around the globe – from raging wildfires and floods to volcanic eruptions and war zones.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless animals. But some stories stay with you forever. Here are five of our favourites (plus a few bonus stories!):
1. Floyd, Noni and Talia – kangaroos rescued after Australia’s wildfires
These three young kangaroos, Floyd, Noni and Talia, were rescued from Australia’s devastating bushfires. World Animal Protection provided Hunter Wildlife Rescue with emergency food and equipment to help them care for the influx of injured and orphaned wildlife. After months of recovery, these fortunate kangaroos were released back into the wild.
Bonus: Flame the joey. We couldn’t pick just one, so you also get this cutie! Flame, was one of 21 kangaroos helped rescued during the fires, received urgent vet care to survive and grow strong.
2. Joaquim - the anteater cub rescued from Brazil’s wildfires
Joaquim was one of thousands of animals affected by the wildfires of the Pantanal wetlands in Brazil in 2021. Working with local partners, Pantanal Animal Technical Rescue Group (Gretap-MS), Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, Instituto Tamanduá and Veterinary Care Center (Cavet), we provided care and protection to countless animals, helping them survive this devastating disaster.
3. Mimi - the cat cared for after a cyclone in Madagascar
Together with our local partner, Animal SOS, we helped provide care for more than 8,000 wild animals, pets and farm animals after the torrential rains, floods and landslides devastated Madagascar.
With two mobile teams, we helped to feed and deworm animals including cattle, dogs, cats, chicken, ducks, geese and pigs. Mimi was one of the lucky cats our team supported.
And a special mention: With your support, we also provided Vakona Reserve with much needed food to care for animals rescued from wildlife trafficking, including this adorable ring-railed lemur.
4. Valentino - the pup rescued from an earthquake in Ecuador
After surviving a devastating earthquake, Valentino was badly injured when an aftershock caused a building to collapse on him. Rushed to emergency care by our team, he pulled through against the odds - living up to the name he was given, which means “courage” in Spanish.
Together with Rescate Animal and Regional Canine Training Center, we set up two veterinary clinics to provide treatment to more than 15,000 animals affected by the disaster.
Plus, this good dog, Yoga - rescued from a volcano in Guatemala.
Amid the ash and destruction Volcán de Fuego, little Yoga was found - the only surviving member of his furry family. With urgent care from our team, he recovered and thrived. Yoga was just one of more than 21,000+ animals we helped during this disaster response.
5. Bolik and Elza – rescued from war-torn Ukraine
Bolik the bear and Elza the wolf were saved from a tourist resort in Ukraine and brought to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania. Their rescue was bravely carried out by Breaking the Chains, alongside local and international partners who coordinated the complex and dangerous operation.
With your support, World Animal Protection helped fund the final leg of their journey to safety, as well as their ongoing care at the sanctuary.
Today, Bolik and Elza are finally able to live as they should – enjoying peaceful days roaming the sanctuary’s large oak forest, far from the trauma they left behind.
Because of you, we can keep showing up for animals
Your gift ensures World Animal Protection and our partners are ready not only to respond the moment crisis strikes, but to keep driving long-term systems change that prevents these emergencies from happening in the first place.
More happy rescue tails:
Meet the cats and dogs you helped during Canada’s wildfires
Blog
When wildfires threatened homes and pets in Saskatchewan, you stepped in and gave cats and dogs safety, comfort and care during the chaos.
How your support helped animals affected by fires
Blog
Thanks to your support, injured and displaced animals received lifesaving care, emergency shelter and a second chance after the devastating fires in Los Angeles.
Amazon fires: our team of vets is in rainforest urgently protecting animals
News
Some of the world’s most iconic animals – such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, sloths, river dolphins, macaws, parrots, and anacondas – as well as pets, are grave risk as fires continue to blaze through the Amazon rainforest. We’re working with local authorities and rescue centres to help
Banner photo: The World Animal Protection team on the ground after a powerful 7.8M earthquake shook the Ecuador in 2016. (Photo: World Animal Protection)