This summer, Europe was once again engulfed in flames. Major wildfires raged particularly in France, Spain, Portugal and Greece. By the end of July, more wildfires had already been recorded than in the whole of 2025 — a year that was itself considered exceptionally hot and dry at the time. While the human consequences receive extensive media coverage, the fate of the wild animals living in these areas largely remains out of sight. Yet the impact on them is at least as devastating.

Millions of animals affected, no official count

No one knows exactly how many animals have died this year. Unlike the figures that became available after disasters such as the Australian bushfires of 2019–2020, there is no systematic count of animal casualties from wildfires in Europe. At the time, an estimated 143 million mammals and billions of reptiles, birds and amphibians were affected. Experts who focus on animal welfare during disasters estimate that millions of animals have also died in European wildfires this year.

In the most intense fires, such as those around Bordeaux, experts say the chances of an animal surviving are virtually zero. Even animals that would normally be able to burrow underground, such as reptiles, insects and mice, die from the extreme heat, which penetrates deep into the soil.

Fleeing, suffocating, starving

The impact of a fire varies greatly between animal species. Large, fast-moving animals such as deer and foxes can sometimes escape in time, provided the fire does not spread too quickly. For slow-moving or less mobile animals — hedgehogs, lizards, amphibians and young animals that have not yet left the nest — escape is often impossible. Animals that hide underground may still succumb to suffocation or extreme heat during severe fires.

Smoke is also deadly, and not only at the site of the fire itself. Just as in humans, smoke damages animals’ airways, which can lead to weakness and death even at a distance from the fire.

Animals that survive the flames are not necessarily safe. After a fire, there is often no shrubbery or tree cover left to provide shelter. Animals that return or emerge from hiding find a scorched environment devoid of food and, without cover, become easy prey for owls, crows and other predators. Insect populations, an important food source for many species, can collapse locally, making recovery even more difficult.

New dangers after the fire

The problems do not stop once the flames have been extinguished. Animals that have lost their habitat sometimes move into built-up areas in search of food and shelter. This can lead to a noticeable increase in collisions with cars, as animals become disoriented and find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Ash and the chemicals used to fight the fires can also enter the soil and water, placing additional pressure on animals and their habitats. Burned soil is also more susceptible to erosion, which can have longer-term consequences for water quality and habitat.

A structural, growing problem

This summer’s fires do not stand alone. Europe is one of the fastest-warming continents in the world, meaning wildfires are expected to become more frequent, spread faster and become more difficult to control. This is alarming news for biodiversity: nearly 10,000 animal species that are already threatened worldwide will be exposed to the direct danger of these types of fires more frequently. For ecosystems, this means a long road to recovery — if recovery is even possible for vulnerable species that were already under pressure.

Like many other organisations working for animal welfare, Animal Heroes believes that better systems for recording animal casualties should be established across Europe, so that the true scale of these silent disasters can eventually be documented. Germany, for example, has been using the FireWatch system for some time: 360-degree rotating cameras mounted on high towers continuously scan the surrounding area and, under favourable conditions, can detect activity up to 40 to 60 kilometres away. A developing plume of smoke can sometimes be detected from around 20 kilometres away, after which AI software assesses whether it is actually smoke. If confirmed, an alert is sent to the German forest fire control centre. The earlier a fire is detected, the smaller it will generally remain, and the fewer habitats and animal lives will be lost.

As long as there is no structured monitoring of animal casualties, the picture of the impact on animals will remain largely a blind spot.

Animal Heroes takes action in Spain

The devastating wildfires around Madrid and Ávila are destroying habitats and leaving thousands of animals without food or shelter.

Alexandra Leiton Endara lives in Ávila, one of the hardest-hit areas. She is coordinating emergency aid for animals with volunteers from four villages in the affected area. Together, they have established a central collection point where urgently needed supplies are received and then distributed across the affected areas. They also keep track of who receives what, so that everything that comes in can be distributed fairly.

The most urgent needs are: birdseed and seed mixes for wild birds; food for rabbits and other small herbivores; feed for farm animals, including goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses; milk replacer for orphaned and rescued young animals; hay, straw and alfalfa for grazing animals; vegetables and fruit for herbivores and wild animals; corn, grain and acorns for wild boar and deer; and salt licks for grazing wildlife and livestock.

Every donation, large or small, helps provide life-saving support to animals affected by this disaster.

Do you want to help animals affected by Spain’s wildfires?

The post The silent victims: the impact of European wildfires on wildlife appeared first on Animal Heroes.

As Animal Heroes enters its next phase, we are introducing an updated look that reflects where we are today while staying true to the mission that brought us here: saving animals in crisis and supporting the people who risk everything to rescue them.

Why the change?

Animal Heroes has grown far beyond what we imagined when we started in 2022. What began as a small effort to support local animal rescuers has become an international organisation responding to crises in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Today, we work alongside trusted local partners, support emergency response efforts in active war zones and disaster areas, and help animals affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.

We felt it was time for the way we present ourselves to reflect the organisation Animal Heroes has become today: an experienced international organisation supporting animals and rescuers in some of the world’s most challenging circumstances.

What’s changing?

Over the coming weeks, you’ll notice some updates, including:

• A new look across our website and communications

• Clearer information about our work and its impact

• A refreshed website experience

• Updates to our social media channels and other platforms

These changes will help us share the stories of the animals, rescuers, and communities we support more clearly.

What remains the same?

What hasn’t changed is our commitment.

We remain dedicated to providing emergency aid to animals affected by war, natural disasters, and other global crises.

We continue to support local rescuers working in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, guided by our core values of courage, integrity, agility, and openness.

None of this work would be possible without our partners and the community of donors who stand alongside us. Their support remains at the heart of everything we do.

While some things may look different, our mission, our team, and our commitment to animals in crisis remain exactly the same.

A message from our founder, Esther Kef

“When Animal Heroes began, we had no roadmap. We simply saw incredible people risking their own safety to save animals, and we knew they deserved support.

Three years later, I am humbled by what we have achieved together. Every rescue, every clinic, every animal that received a second chance was only possible because of this community.

These changes mark an important milestone, but they don’t change our purpose. If anything, they strengthen it. We remain committed to supporting the heroes who show up for animals every day, often in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

Thank you for believing in this mission, for standing with us, and for helping us build Animal Heroes into what it is today.”

Made possible by volunteers

There is one more thing we’d like to share about this new chapter.

At Animal Heroes, we believe that every euro possible should go towards helping animals in need. That’s why this entire project was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and pro bono support.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their creativity, skills, and time to help bring this chapter to life.

A special thank you goes to Giada Tamborrino of Giada Tamborrino Studio for creating our new visual identity, to our dear colleague Cleo Sardelis for developing the strategy and leading the project, and to our amazing colleagues in the web team, Annemieke Wichers and László Bocskai, for building the new website.

What happens next?

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see these changes appear across our website, communications, and online channels.

Our work continues uninterrupted, and we look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.

Join us

We invite you to explore our updated website, follow our work on LinkedIn, Instagram, and through our newsletter, and continue supporting animals and rescuers in crisis.

Together, we can continue saving animals in need around the world.

The post A new chapter for Animal Heroes appeared first on Animal Heroes.

Dance4Heroes is where dance and global compassion meet. Where music is transformed into direct support for animals in crisis.
On April 2, Animal Heroes turns the dance floor into thousands of lifelines for animals worldwide.

Dance. Donate. Help save lives.

Dance4Heroes proves that solidarity does not have to be silent. That support can be joyful. And that music can turn compassion into action.

Rev Radio x Dance4Heroes

We are collaborating with the community-driven DJ collective Rev Radio.
They curate the DJ line-up and host the livestream, ensuring the event extends beyond Amsterdam and can be followed worldwide.

Together, we bring music and mission together to create even greater impact for animals in need.

Support the Mission:

Dance with us live in Amsterdam

Donate via the Make Esther Dance Challenge

Not Just A Party. A Purpose!

All proceeds go directly to Animal Heroes’ emergency projects, including:

• Urgent veterinary care in conflict zones
• Support for clinics and shelters
• Aid for animals whose human families are facing crisis

Animal Heroes works exclusively with trusted local partners, is present on the ground when needed, and funds emergency projects led by everyday heroes committed to animal welfare — ensuring support reaches where it is needed most.

Organized by Animal Heroes, this music-driven fundraiser honors the caregivers, veterinarians, and rescuers who continue their lifesaving work under extreme and often dangerous circumstances. With Dance4Heroes, we are creating a new way to amplify their stories and dedication to the world.

The post Dance4Heroes: A Night in Amsterdam as a Lifeline for Animals in Crisis appeared first on Animal Heroes.

“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.

The post Animal Heroes awarded 2025 “Il peso delle cose” appeared first on Animal Heroes.

Now in its third edition, the Animal Heroes Run returns after strong support in previous years. This time it’s hosted within the Cortina Dobbiaco Run, giving participants panoramic views of the Dolomites, a lively family atmosphere, and a full programme of on-site activities you can enjoy throughout the day.

Your participation directly supports emergency veterinary care, food supplies, and critical aid for animals impacted by conflict and natural disasters.

Watch the video of the Animal Heroes Run:

The post The Animal Heroes Run is back for its 3rd edition appeared first on Animal Heroes.

It took about four weeks before Maryam could return, after the military withdrew from her neighborhood. What she found was a nightmare: total devastation. And while searching through the rubble for any surviving animals, she told us that soldiers opened fire on her once again, so once more, she had to flee.

Over the past year, thanks to generous support from all over the world, Maryam was able to care for 65 cats — until the violence brought it all to a sudden and heartbreaking end. She now has six cats left in her care. Earlier this week we transferred the usual €1,000  to her so she can continue to buy food for them.

As an organisation, we have closed Maryam’s project page on our website. We support shelters — and in light of this devastating tragedy, there are no longer enough animals to justify listing it as an active shelter project.

However, we know that many of you still want to support Maryam and her remaining six cats.

That’s why we’ll keep the donation form open for her own Facebook page and continue to forward 100% of the donations we receive for Maryam directly to her, for as long as needed.

We all worked so hard over the past year to keep Maryam’s cats alive — each of you, in your own way. And against all odds, we actually succeeded.

Until a month ago.

No humanitarian effort can withstand the level of destruction shown in the video below. We may not have been able to save most of Maryam’s cats, but at least we tried. And more than that — we proved that even in one of the darkest places on earth, a spark of humanity still exists.

For that, we, at Animal Heroes, thank you.

Video: The place where Maryam’s house used to be.

Source: M.Saed.Gaza

Source image: Hani (Photo made in Gaza, but not in the area where Maryam is from).

The post Maryam’s cat shelter in Gaza with 40 cats wiped off the map appeared first on Animal Heroes.

On Sunday, June 1st, over 70 passionate runners, walkers, and animal lovers came together in an incredible show of solidarity for animals in crisis around the world. The Animal Heroes Run 2025 was not only a joyful and inspiring event—it was also a powerful fundraiser that will directly support emergency aid for animals living in war zones and disaster-struck areas.

What we achieved together:

• Over €2000 raised for animals in need
• 73 participants from Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands, Austria and Germany.
• 70+ dogs and 1 goat running side-by-side with their human friends
• A vibrant finish line celebration filled with music, compassion, and community

A Message from the Field

“Thanks to your support, we are sending food, medical supplies, and hope to animals who have no one else. This run makes a real difference.”
— Esther Kef, Founder of Animal Heroes

Relive the Day

Check out our favorite moments from the event:

Thank You

To everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, donated, or cheered us on: thank you. You are the heart of this movement. Together, we are showing the world that animals matter—even in the darkest of places.

We’re already looking forward to Animal Heroes Run 2026. Will you be there?

With gratitude,
The Animal Heroes Team

The post Animal Heroes Run 2025: A Huge Success! appeared first on Animal Heroes.

Animals in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas often go unnoticed, yet they too need care and protection. By joining the Animal Heroes Run, you help provide medical assistance and support to these animals.

The event takes place within the renowned Cortina Dobbiaco Run, offering an inspiring atmosphere and additional activities. Whether you participate with a four-legged companion or with friends and family, this is a chance to make a difference while experiencing the beauty of the Dolomites.

Sign up today and help animals in need.

For more information and registration:
https://www.cortinadobbiacorun.it/animal-heroes-run/

The post The Animal Heroes Run returns for its 2nd edition appeared first on Animal Heroes.

Welcome to the First Edition of the Animal Heroes Run; the non-competitive race for you with or without your dog in the Dolomites.

In war zones, animals are often forgotten. But they too are victims of war, living beings who depend on our will to survive. Take part with (or without) your dog in the Animal Heroes Run and give a paw to dogs living in war zones.

On 2 June at 09:00 a.m. departure and arrival in Dobbiaco (South Tyrol).

Register now

The post Run with your dog for animals in war appeared first on Animal Heroes.

It started with a rescue mission

Last November, a team of Animal Heroes went to the West Bank on a rescue mission. Since October 7th, the situation for animals in the West Bank had quickly deteriorated. 25,000 stray dogs and cats were starving because tourism had stopped completely, which was devastating for everyone on the West Bank: people and animals. Also, there was a lot of cruelty against stray animals, with people throwing bricks at them, kicking them, and even poisoning them.

Diana: Yafa’s first mama and a true animal hero

During their mission, the team visited the only  animal shelter on the West Bank that is a registered foundation, the Bethlehem Animal Shelter, run by our local Animal Hero Diana Babish. Diana quit her job as a bank director to rescue and take care of stray animals in the West Bank. In her shelter, she has 100 dogs. Every day, Diana goes onto the streets to feed stray dogs and cats. When they are injured, she takes them to the vet for medical
care. And despite the difficult circumstances, she still manages to arrange adoptions for these animals.

Diana with Yafa April 2024

Meeting Yafa

When our team visited Diana, Eleonora stepped out of the car, and they immediately went to the kennels. In one of the kennels, there were three dogs: two of them came to greet Eleonora and the team, but a puppy of about six months old was in the back of the kennel, on her bed, in the dark. She was clearly the lowest-ranking member of the pack, very timid and scared. After a while, she hesitantly came over to greet the team. But, impressed by the other dogs, she quickly withdrew and went back to her bed in the back of the kennel. Eleonora looked her in the eye and felt so sad for her.

Eleonora asked Diana about Yafa, what was her story? Yafa was found by Diana on the streets. She was a very tiny pup going through the garbage in search of something to eat. Diana took her in, and since then, she’d lived in the Bethlehem Animal Shelter.

On the right: Yafa in November 2023

Eleonora in love without realising it (yet)

Eleonora and the rest of the team of Animal Heroes spent the week after rescuing and taking care of a huge amount of hungry and injured animals. Some of their stories are truly heartbreaking. But somehow Eleonora couldn’t forget about Yafa, so when visiting Diana’s shelter for the second time that week, she went back to look for Yafa. The same thing happened as during the first time they had met. Yafa did want to say hello but was simply too timid and scared. Again, Eleonora felt for her. Probably by that time she had already fallen in love but didn’t realise it yet. And both Yafa and Eleonora also didn’t realise what was about to happen months later.

Back to home and work

After the mission in the West Bank, Eleonora went back home to Italy and her work as a pilot and her work as a volunteer for the Animal Heroes foundation – a busy life. But she couldn’t forget about Yafa. The holiday season passed, and still, she couldn’t forget her. She told herself that as a mission worker, you must restrain yourself from wanting to adopt the animals you rescue. But still, she couldn’t forget about Yafa. In our contacts with Diana, it was always Eleonora asking about Yafa. And finally, Eleonora gave in and accepted the inevitable: she had fallen in love.

Yafa and Eleonora on the beach in Tel Aviv – just before they depart to Italy

Reunited and moving on to a happy life!

This week, a team of Animal Heroes volunteers went back to the West Bank on a mission to help feed the stray animals, arrange medical care, and start an educational program for children to raise awareness of how to treat animals and stop violence against animals.

And Yafa and Eleonora have been reunited! Eleonora will take Yafa back home to Italy to meet her other dog, Aisha, and to live in the beautiful mountains of the Dolomites. Yafa is about to start the second chapter of her young life that started so difficult, and this chapter is going to be a very happy one!

Yafa and Eleonora meeting again after 4 months

Written by Mony de Roos

The post Happy news – the love story of Yafa and Eleonora appeared first on Animal Heroes.