In a heartwarming rescue mission that captured the attention of the nation, a Brazilian horse named Caramelo was saved from a rooftop in southern Brazil after being stranded for days due to massive floods that have devastated the region.
The brown horse, affectionately nicknamed Caramelo by social media users, was found balancing on two narrow strips of slippery asbestos in Canoas, a city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area. A team of firefighters and veterinarians from Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state successfully removed Caramelo from the rooftop, providing a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy.
The dramatic rescue operation involved sedating and immobilizing the 770-pound horse, then carefully transferring it onto an inflatable raft with the help of four inflatable boats and four support vessels. The entire operation was broadcast live on television, with social media influencer Felipe Neto providing updates to his millions of followers.
Following the rescue, offers to adopt Caramelo poured in, including one from Neto himself. The news of Caramelo’s safe rescue brought joy to many, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his wife, Janja, who shared the good news with the Brazilian leader at an official event.
The rescue of Caramelo is just one of many efforts by rescue workers to save animals affected by the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul. With thousands of animals rescued and many more still in need of help, animal protection groups and volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all creatures affected by the disaster.