IFAW helps animals in need in the aftermath of Turkey-Syria earthquakes

On Sunday, 25 June 2023, our partner House of Cats Ernesto in northern Syria was impacted by an explosion from a nearby airstrike. We are in contact with their team, who reported all staff are physically safe with only minor cuts and injuries. Sadly, the team reported initially that 20 kittens died from the explosion, at least ten kittens are in shock, and eight cats have sustained splinter injuries. These numbers are expected to increase as recovery work continues at the sanctuary. Some of their buildings were also damaged; every window except one was blown out, and the front iron gates crumbled from the impact of the explosion. 

The incredible veterinarians and rescuers at Ernesto have already tirelessly served the community members and their animals with ongoing earthquake relief efforts since February. They have now started recovery work for this latest explosion to treat animals and repair their center. 

We have reached out to determine how IFAW can best support their team going forward. Please join us in sending condolences and support to the animals and community members impacted by this tragedy. 

Our partner, House of Cats Ernesto, continues to work tirelessly helping families and animals impacted by earthquakes and aftershocks in northern Syria. Their team recently sent us the incredible story of a rescued dog named Bobby (a local nickname given to dogs). 

The team found Bobby covered in mud alongside the road during one of their many field visits. They quickly noticed he was only using his front two legs and immediately conducted a veterinary examination. It appeared he was paralyzed from a compressed spine but was otherwise in good physical health. 

Moved by his condition and need for additional care, the team brought Bobby to the sanctuary clinic where he was given further assessment, bathed, dried, and fed. He quickly adapted to life at the clinic; Bobby particularly loved his brushed-out blow dry. 

The House of Cats Ernesto team wanted to do something special for Bobby, so they researched wheelchairs for paralyzed dogs. When they realized it was nearly impossible to find a wheelchair for dogs in that part of the country, the team decided to build one for him. They found local equipment and a designer who could build the necessary parts for Bobby’s wheelchair. He can now walk, run, and play with other dogs at the sanctuary.  

In the long term, the team plans to order him a more durable canine wheelchair, which they hope to get delivered to the sanctuary. 

After developing a special bond with Bobby, the team has decided to make him a permanent resident at the sanctuary. Bobby will live out his days with his rescuers, visiting his fellow dogs at the sanctuary. The House of Cats Ernesto team will continue to provide Bobby with excellent care. 

We are pleased to announce that this week, IFAW is sending emergency aid to support the incredible and impactful work of two new organizations—Angel’s Farm Sanctuary, located in Izmir, Turkey, and Watan Foundation, an emergency relief group working with the Directorate of Agriculture of Gaziantep. Over the next few weeks, we will share more on the amazing work their teams are doing. 

Sadly, another devastating earthquake of 5.6 magnitude hit Malatya in Turkey on 27 February causing a building to collapse on the rescue truck belonging to our partner, Haytap Animal Rights Federation, and covering the vehicle in rubble. Before the building collapsed, all Haytap team members in the truck were able to escape and, remarkably, no one was injured.  

IFAW immediately committed to purchase a replacement animal rescue vehicle so Haytap can continue their life-saving work in Malatya. 

In response to multiple aftershocks and ongoing earthquakes in the region, IFAW’s local partners in Turkey and Syria continue their relief and rescue efforts across impacted communities. 

The rescue team at House of Cats Ernesto in Syria has provided care and veterinary treatment to more than 600 pets and community animals, including ducks, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, cows, goats, and donkeys. 

In one home, the team thoroughly examined a pregnant goat and performed an in-situ ultrasound as the owner was anxious for the health of the doe and kid. The medical examination revealed both are in good condition, much to the relief of the owner.  

In another community, the team was onsite at a local church to examine and treat dozens of rescued kittens who are currently in the care of nuns. Two kittens and one puppy needed further treatment, so the team brought them to the sanctuary for further care.   

Our partner in Turkey, Haytap Animal Rights Federation, has rescued and provided care for numerous injured animals, including a mother dog and her young puppies that the team recently pulled out of the rubble. The mother had stayed with her puppies for six days until rescuers found her.  

We are saddened to hear from our contacts that on February 16th a 5.1 earthquake hit in the areas teams have been working. We are working to get in touch with our partners for an update on their teams and animals. Our thoughts are with the already reeling community on the ground and everyone impacted by this ongoing disaster. 

Since 6 February 2023, nearly 42,000 deaths have been reported and that number is expected to rise. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said 3,858 aftershocks have been recorded and an estimated 50,576 buildings have collapsed or are heavily damaged. 

We will share additional information as details and updates become available.

As humanitarian rescue teams expand the search for people trapped in rubble in Turkey and Syria, local animal rescue organizations are working to save animals devastated by Monday’s earthquake. Their efforts will likely continue for weeks or months. 

In response, IFAW has committed US$50,000 to support local organizations, including Haytap Animal Rights Federation in Turkey and House of Cats Ernesto in Syria, in their efforts to rescue and care for injured animals. 

Video: The House of Cats Ernesto team rescuing a trapped cat from the rubble

Video: Haytap's team rescuing a dog buried in the rubble

Haytap's volunteer responders rescued a dog named Pamuk—which means "cotton" in Turkish—who was buried in the rubble of a building destroyed in the earthquake. They were able to dig him out of the heavy debris and carry him to safety.