Pet owners in Maui are frantically searching for beloved animals that have disappeared in the wildfires.
Facebook groups are inundated with heartbreaking messages from owners about their dogs, cats, horses and even birds.
Some people said they were forced to flee without their pets as the deadly fires, which have killed at least 55 people, drew closer. Others said they were not home when the flames began to spread and are now desperate for their pets to survive.
Among the pleas were also stories of hope from those reunited with their animals.
An animal welfare organization in Hawaii has also said it is seeking donations to help care for hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals that have been injured or separated from their human families.
Sahar Elharar said four of her cats went missing in Lahaina, the historic city devastated by the fires, and pleaded for help to find them. “I can’t give up hope yet,” she captioned photos of the cats
Kerry Morris said his silver lab was missing. “I hope for a miracle,” he wrote
Isabelle Alexander said two of her birds were missing. She added a photo of the colorful birds to the post: “We lost them when we were evacuating our home in Lahaina. We are devastated’
The Maui Humane Society says many animals also require critical care due to smoke inhalation and expects a flood of lost pets. A Facebook fundraiser set up by the association had raised $234,000 of its $300,000 goal by 5 p.m. Friday
The Maui Humane Society says many animals also require critical care due to smoke inhalation and expects a flood of lost pets.
The Missing Pets of Maui Facebook group has become a major resource since the fires broke out and has been inundated with messages.
Sahar Elharar said four of her cats were missing from Lahaina, the historic city devastated by the fires, and pleaded for help to find them. “I can’t give up hope yet,” she captioned photos of the cats.
Elharara, whose house was also destroyed by the fires, said: ‘I am homeless and heartbroken, but I consider myself incredibly happy. I’ll try to find them soon, I hope they ran to the highway or the ocean.’
Kerry Morris said his silver lab was missing. “I hope for a miracle,” he wrote.
In another post, Isabelle Alexander said two of her birds were missing. She added a photo of the colorful birds to the post: “Please help us find our 2 babies, we lost them while evacuating our home in Lahaina. We’re devastated.’
She said she was forced to flee her house after it caught fire and the birdcage fell open in the strong winds.
Another poster said her herd of horses were found after they had to be let loose in an area in Upper Launiupoko.
The hall of the historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and the nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission go up in flames along Wainee Street on Tuesday, August 8, 2023
An aerial view of destroyed buildings as the wildfire burns in the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii
Among the pleas were also stories of hope from those reunited with their animals. Two dogs, Roman and Raina, were found hours after a Facebook group post begging for help
Another poster said her herd of horses was found after being released in an area of Upper Launiupoko during the fires.
Another missing dog named Kingston was also found after his owner, Kim Rivera, joined the group looking for him
Two dogs, Roman and Raina, were found hours after a Facebook group post begging for help. Nicole Comey said the “friendly and very scared” puppies had been with a pet sitter on Maui’s east coast.
Another missing dog named Kingston was also found after his owner, Kim Rivera, joined the group looking for him.
The Maui Humane Society said, “The Maui Humane Society expects a flood of hundreds of animals that have been burned, lost in the evacuation process and in need of critical care due to smoke inhalation.
Maui Humane Society is asking for help as the island grapples with the unprecedented and catastrophic impact of Maui’s ongoing fires.
“The fires have displaced thousands of people and animals, causing immense suffering and an urgent need for community solidarity.”
A Facebook fundraiser set up by the association had raised $234,000 of the $300,000 goal by 5 p.m. Friday.
People can donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/327209503004154/