The Italian Veterinary Order (FNOVI) awarded Animal Heroes’ veterinary team the 2025 edition of the “Il peso delle cose” award, a respected national honor in veterinary medicine.
“This award means a great deal to our entire team,” says Esther Kef, founder of Animal Heroes.
The initiative recognizes veterinarians who stand out both in their profession and beyond it. Accordingly, FNOVI presented the prize to Animal Heroes during its annual meeting in Calabria.
Animal Heroes works in Gaza and the West Bank, Lebanon, and Ukraine. In these regions, veterinary care has often collapsed, and safety is never guaranteed. Nevertheless, the team continues its work.
“Animal Heroes’ veterinarians represent a form of veterinary medicine that does not give in to human failure,” said Gaetano Penocchio, president of FNOVI. “Even so, they show courage, strong ethics, and a deep sense of duty.”
Every day, Animal Heroes’ veterinarians risk their lives in conflict zones to save animals. Therefore, this recognition honors every veterinarian who refuses to ignore suffering. Moreover, it highlights the need for compassion, especially during war. “We will continue to help animals who have no one else,” Kef adds.
Ultimately, the award recognizes the team’s tireless work for animals living in some of the world’s most dangerous and neglected places.
