In the southern city of Antakya, Turkey, volunteers have set up a field hospital to provide aid to animals affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck the region on February 6th. Led by Haytap, an animal welfare organization with experience in disaster zones, the hospital provides first aid to cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals that have been injured or trapped in rubble. Vet Zinnet Patan and her assistant treat close to 100 animals a day, administering vaccinations, stitching wounds, and helping animals give birth and care for their young.
Mehmet Gürkan Tığoğlu, who leads the rescue team, has already rescued more than 1,000 animals in Hatay province alone. He and his team enter dangerous, collapsed buildings to rescue animals, risking their own lives in the process. Michael Sehr, who normally works in a police animal rescue team in Germany, has also arrived in Antakya to help.
Rabia Öztürk of Mutlu Patiler (Happy Paws) has taken hundreds of calls seeking help since the earthquakes struck. She and her team have set up a warehouse close to the earthquake zone and have reunited many animals with their owners. Patan has also heard many heart-warming stories, including that of a golden retriever who was stolen a few months ago but escaped after the earthquake and found its way back to its owner’s ruined house.
The field hospital urgently needs food for the animals, especially bird seed, as well as boxes and crates of all sizes. Despite the immense human suffering caused by the earthquakes, volunteers are doing their best to help the animals affected by providing first aid and reuniting them with their owners.