A Ukrainian man, Vladislav Duda, and his kitten Peach were rescued from a mountain ravine in northern Romania after four days of being stranded in subzero temperatures. The pair had run out of food, but the kitten was kept alive by melted snow. Duda expressed gratitude that his cat is alive and considers it a second chance at life.
A Ukrainian man, Vladislav Duda, was rescued from a deep mountain ravine in northern Romania along with his months-old kitten named Peach. The pair had been stuck in subzero temperatures for four days after running out of food.
The rescue team, led by Dan Benga, the head of the Salvamont Maramures rescue service, located Duda and his cat after a grueling mission through deep snow and temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
When asked if he was okay, Duda replied: “I’m happy because my cat is alive. I got a chance from God for a new life. The happiest moment is because the cat is here with me.”
Peach, the kitten, was experiencing malnutrition due to lack of food and was kept alive by melted snow.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, more than 160 Ukrainian men have been rescued from Romania’s Maramures region. The numbers have doubled each year since, and another 16 have been found dead.
Two other Ukrainian draft-aged men were rescued by helicopter the same day as Duda.
The rescue team located Duda and discovered Peach snuggled up inside his jacket.
Dan Benga, the director of the Maramures mountain rescue service, stated: “The cat was warm and was warming him… so he saved his life.”
Benga also mentioned that Duda only cared about the well-being of his kitten during the rescue efforts.
The numbers have doubled each year since, with another 16 found dead.
Duda fled Ukraine to avoid being drafted into his country’s armed forces fighting Russia.
Duda is receiving anti-inflammatory medication and blood circulation treatment for frostbite.
Peach received veterinary treatment in Baia Mare on Monday and is expected to fully recover.
