Two wildlife rescuers saved a Japanese Sika deer that fell through ice at Yaphank’s Southaven Park in Suffolk County, New York.
God blesses us with amazing creatures that make our world beautiful and meaningful. From the tiniest insects to the mightiest creatures, each one shows His perfect design and purpose.
As His children, we have a special duty to protect and care for these precious creatures He created.
The dramatic rescue began when Strong Island Animal Rescue League received an urgent call about a deer in distress.
Frankie Floridia, alongside Ryan Gilmartin from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, responded immediately to save the three year old Japanese Sika doe that had fallen through the ice.
The rescue proved challenging as thick ice prevented easy access to the struggling deer. “As we were going out, it kept getting thicker and thicker,” Gilmartin explained. “Until right around the deer, it got thin enough for us to keep pushing right through.”
The rescuers had to navigate through about 60 feet of ice to reach the animal.
At first, the deer looked dead in the freezing water. But as they got closer, she lifted her head and kicked, giving them hope. “It was something that needed to be done,” Floridia said. “It was life or death situation and this is what we do best.”
After pulling the shivering deer onto their boat, they took her to the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, 25 miles away. The center shared good news about the deer’s condition: “She’s doing pretty well. She gave us a scare when she came in yesterday. It was really up in the air whether or not she was going to survive that trauma.”
The rescued deer, now named Elsa after the character from Disney’s ‘Frozen’, belongs to a protected species of Japanese Sika deer, brought from Asia centuries ago for hunting purposes. The rescue team’s choice to name her Elsa brought a touch of hope to the intense situation.
The most rewarding moment came when Elsa showed signs of recovery. “Oh it’s amazing,” Floridia expressed. “Seeing her standing, seeing her able to live another life, it’s just a great feeling.”
The wildlife center plans to release her back into the wild within a few days.
The rescue video caught attention online. Many viewers appreciated the rescuers for their efforts to save the poor animal.
One viewer commented, “We still have good souls in this world,” while another described the rescuers as “Angels, that’s what those men are. Thank you guys.”
God entrusts us with the responsibility to protect and preserve every creature He created. Whether big or small, each one plays a vital role in His perfect plan.
Let this rescue inspire us to take action whenever we see His creatures in need.
WATCH: Rescuers Smash Through Ice to Save Drowning Deer Just in Time
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