'Happy end' A hiker in New Zealand fell from a 55-meter waterfall ( 180-foot) in wild bush: rescuers evacuated the injured woman but had to leave her dog behind

 

In this photo relased by Precision Helicopters Ltd, Wayne Holmes collects Molly from the edge of a waterfall as his dog Bingo, bottom left, stands beside on the Arahura River on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Precision Helicopters Ltd via AP) The small dog is a rescue dog Bingo.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — When a hiker fell from a 55-meter (180-foot) waterfall in wild New Zealand bush, rescuers were forced to evacuate the badly hurt woman without her dog, which couldn’t be found. After strangers raised thousands of dollars for a search, border collie Molly was flown to safety by a helicopter pilot who was determined to reunite pet and owner.

In this photo released by Precision Helicopters Ltd, Molly is reunited with her owner Jessica Johnston after her rescue from a waterfall on the Arahura River on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Precision Helicopters Ltd via AP)

A week earlier, an emergency rescue helicopter found the woman with bruises and lacerations after a fall at a rocky spot at the waterfall on the South Island’s West Coast. She was airlifted on March 24 but they were forced to leave without her pet.

Molly was bedraggled and hungry when she was found Tuesday, just a few meters from the spot where the hiker had been lucky to survive.

“I contacted her in hospital and said I’d go for a look for it,” said Matt Newton, the owner-operator of Precision Helicopters New Zealand, which is based at Hokitika Gorge near the Arahura River where Molly went missing. “I went and looked for the dog several times and no avail.”

Unwilling to give up, Newton and his family launched a fundraiser to pay for more flying hours and advanced search gear. Offers of help and donations poured in, with strangers pledging more than 11,000 New Zealand dollars ($6,300) for a search.

It was enough to fund three more hours in a helicopter using thermal imaging equipment. On Tuesday, Newton took to the skies with a veterinary nurse, volunteer searchers and a dog named Bingo in a renewed search for Molly.

“We struck jackpot within about an hour,” he said. “As we made our way up the river, we could see the dog in the thermal and then we could visually see it.”

In this photo relased by Precision Helicopters Ltd, Wayne Holmes collects Molly from the edge of a waterfall as his dog Bingo, bottom left, stands beside on the Arahura River on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Precision Helicopters Ltd via AP)

There had been no sign of Molly at the waterfall when Newton previously searched the spot, he said. It wasn’t clear if the dog had also fallen from the waterfall or if she had eventually made her way to the spot where her injured owner landed.

The helicopter dropped low enough for a volunteer to disembark with the rescue dog Bingo to help coax Molly to safety and keep her calm.

Newton thought the dog had survived by eating feral animals during her week in the wilderness.

“She knew what we were up to, I think,” he said. “She behaved real well. She didn’t run away and she was pleased to be rescued.”

The dog was in “surprisingly good condition,” the pilot said. He sent word back to the helicopter base, where other volunteers waited to take turns in the search. “Instead we just had a big barbecue and all had a cuddle with Molly.”

Hours after the dog’s rescue, her owner, still battered from her fall, arrived for a tearful reunion.

“I think that’ll speed up her healing process somewhat,” Newton said. “Having your dog back, that’s for sure.”

Safe Haven for Dokeys news: A huge number of families In Gaza are suffering in heavy rains and floods whilst brave vets care for sick, injured, animals

 

Dear Friends This week, I want to share an update sent by Dr Saif, from our team in Gaza, who have been working around the clock in some of the toughest conditions they’ve had to face due to recent floods. Thanks to your support, the team has been able to deliver first aid to hundreds of animals who would otherwise have no help at all. Since the ceasefire, they’ve finally been able to reach areas that were completely inaccessible before - places where animals have been waiting far too long for the care they need. I hope you can take a moment to read about the work you are helping to make possible - and all the donkeys being cared for with your ongoing support. Thank you so much, Wendy, Safe Haven UK Office  News from our team in Gaza On 8th November, we had to leave Gaza City and North Gaza. As the situation had worsened, we were forced to make the difficult decision to withdraw the team temporarily for their safety. We fully intend to return as soon as it is safe to do so, where animals continue to wait with patience. The team are inundated with donkeys like this one who need their help. The team moved into the central region, including Al-Sudaniah - an area that had been almost impossible to reach before the ceasefire. As soon as the roads opened, calls for help came from every direction. People asked for support, and animals stood waiting in pain. The team began treating them straightaway, providing first aid where it was needed most. Donkeys continue to be a vital part of everyday life in Gaza. 13th November: the team continued their work in Al-Sudaniah, running a major campaign to support the thousands of displaced families and animals sheltering there. Many donkeys and horses needed first aid, and a large number were in very poor health. But we’re glad to report that our follow-up checks show steady improvement in the animals we’ve treated. People are so grateful to know someone is looking out for them and their animals. But soon after, the heavy winter rains arrived - and with them, widespread flooding. Mohammed at work, trimming a donkey’s hoof. With regular care, some animals are now showing real signs of improvement. On 17th November, heavy rains swept through the area, washing away fragile homes and tents. Families were left exposed, with no safe way to move to higher ground. Once again, it was the donkeys and horses who stepped in - carrying people and belongings to safety where no vehicle could go. Because of your support, our team was able to help coordinate these rescue efforts and give urgent medical care to the animals helping to save lives. Heavy winter rains have made living conditions even harder in Gaza. Two days later, on 19th November, the team reached camps in the western areas of Rafah. Tens of thousands of displaced families are living there with almost nothing, and for many, their animals are their only remaining source of stability. That day alone, the team treated 31 animals, with 49 more waiting. People trave, injured animalslled from far away, some carrying sick animals in blankets because they had no other option. Our team will never turn away an animal in need. Flooding brings greater challenges to our team in Gaza, but they are dedicated to helping as many animals as possible. Later in November the floods returned again, creating even more need. And by 2nd December, the team had moved north-west of Khan Younis, near Deir Al-Balah, where huge numbers of families and animals are now staying. Calls for help are constant, and every day the team responds to a higher volume of emergency requests. The team work tirelessly to treat as many animals as possible - the need is relentless, and your support is absolutely vital. All of this work to help donkeys and horses has only been possible because of your support - especially from donors who are able to give regular gifts - which keep the team equipped and ready to reach the next animal in need. Thank you for helping to bring first aid to the donkeys, mules and horses in Gaza who rely on our team. Thank You  Everything we do is made possible by you. Your support is helping our team in Gaza reach animals in the hardest-hit areas, giving urgent first aid to donkeys, mules and horses who have nowhere else to turn. Your kindness also keeps our vet teams working across the West Bank and Egypt, and ensures the rescued donkeys in our sanctuaries receive the daily care they depend on. Thank you for bringing comfort and healing to these gentle animals. Donate today to help our vet teams We are the only charity funding a mobile vet team providing first aid to donkeys, mules and horses who need our help. If you'd like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog. You can also view today's update online by clicking here.