On a cold January day in 2012, animal rescue organization Mount Adonis Rescue Centre received a call from a couple who found a helpless wolf in a river outside of the Italian city of Bologna. It would later emerge that the wolf, an adult male, had been shot with no less than 35 lead pellets.
When they arrived at the scene, along with regional police, the rescuers realized that the situation was extremely serious. They acted as fast as they could and waded out into the river to rescue the frozen wolf.
When they got close, the situation looked hopeless. The wolf was paralyzed, lacking a pulse, and wasn’t breathing.
After a quick medical examination, the volunteers decided to give the wolf CPR. For a few nervous seconds, nothing happened. But by a miracle, the wolf regained consciousness and started breathing again.
The wolf, who was soon named Navarre, was transferred to Mount Adonis’ animal hospital to begin his rehabilation. The first few days were critical. Veterinarians had to keep Navarre in intensive care day and night.
Navarre was extremely dehydrated, had eczema, and was riddled with lead pellets. It took a long time to rehabilitate him, but veterinarians saw that Navarre had the spark of life. He refused to give up.
After more than two months in the hospital, Navarre finally got some fresh air. He gained 10 pounds (5kg) and managed to recover from the worst of the damage.
Watch a touching video about Navarre here:
Sadly, Navarre died some months later on June 5, 2012. But we are still grateful that he was able to live out his life in peace.
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