animals rescued from New Zealand cyclone wreckage

Sydney, 20 February 2022 – Rescue teams are racing to save the lives of animals stuck in mud and floodwaters after ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle devastated New Zealand.

The disaster has been described as one of the worst in New Zealand’s history, with humanitarian and animal rescue organisations continuing to rescue people and animals.

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) provided emergency funding to local organisation Helping You Help Animals (HUHA) to set up evacuation shelters for all animals in need. As the number of animals needing help continued to climb, IFAW deployed one of its disaster response experts, Animal Rescue Office Robert Leach to support the onsite vet team and help with HUHA’s rescue efforts.

“The destruction is widespread and devastating. Cats are being rescued from roof cavities, dogs are being pulled from mud and floodwaters and we’ve even rescued a goldfish from a stormwater drain,” Mr Leach said.

“Amid the devastation, it’s heartwarming to be able to reunite pets with their owners. We’ve witnessed many emotional reunions—many of which wouldn’t be possible without the work of these groups.”

The HUHA temporary animal shelter in Hastings is a safe space for rescued animals and those in need of temporary fostering because their owners have been displaced. Dozens of animals including dogs, cats, chickens and even goldfish are being cared for at the shelter which has an onsite vet available as well.

The team has also been working with several organisations to rescue pets and large animals and has supported food and critical supply deliveries into isolated towns.

“The rescue from such a catastrophic disaster is a huge task and the recovery efforts have only just begun,” Mr. Leach said.

“We’re helping to give families peace of mind by having a safe space for their beloved pets to be cared for while they come to terms with a disaster of this scale.”

ENDS

Press contact:
IFAW Australia
Dominica Mack
m: +61 460 432 901
e: dmack@ifaw.org