A few weeks before New Year’s Day, a family in Gisborne, Australia, realized their pet cat had gone missing. They searched everywhere but couldn’t find her. Then, in the last place anyone expected, the cat was discovered — about 13 feet underground, trapped in a hole at a nearby construction site. To their surprise, the cat wasn’t alone. Another lost kitty was stuck down there with her.
Manfred John Zabinskas of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue and East Trentham Wildlife Shelter arrived on the scene to help the local crew rescue the animals. Upon surveying the situation, Zabinskas was alarmed.
“When I looked down the holes, I was shocked by how deep they were,” Zabinskas said, speaking to The Dodo. “I immediately realized it was going to be a tough rescue. My equipment didn’t seem like it would be enough. The animals were so far down, covered in dirt, and they weren’t moving or making any sounds. I couldn’t even tell they were cats.”
Zabinskas knew his usual catching pole wouldn’t reach them. He would have to dive into the hole himself. With a volunteer holding onto his legs for safety, Zabinskas carefully extended his body into the hole, pole in hand. But the cats still didn’t respond, making the rescue even more difficult.
With help from the crew, Zabinskas secured a long pole with a hook on the end, which proved to be the perfect tool for gently lifting the cats from underground. Once above ground, the cats made it clear they wanted to leave — fast.
“They were terrified and wanted to run,” Zabinskas said. “We had to be very careful to restrain them, making sure they didn’t bite or slip away and end up stuck in another hole.”
The second cat was taken to a local veterinarian, where she was checked for injuries, given food and water, and will be scanned for a microchip to determine if she has a family. If not, she will be placed in a loving home.
The original missing cat was soon back in the arms of her grateful family.
“The owners got their cat back with immense relief and gratitude,” Five Freedoms Animal Rescue shared in a Facebook post. “At least for these two cats and their loving family, 2025 is looking brighter.”