Local rescue organizations in Fort St. John asked Canadian Wings of Rescue to help transport a group of stray cats facing an uncertain future in Northern BC.
Canadian Wings of Rescue is a non-profit dedicated to transporting animals in need across Canada.
The organization’s communication manager said two separate rescue operations flew 26 stray cats from Fort St. John to the lower mainland.
Cheryl Brean said rural communities often lack the same access to shelters and animal welfare resources as large cities.
She said the first mission was completed by Jonathan Monahan, a Victoria resident, and marked the largest feline rescue mission in recent years.
On July 29, Monahan departed from Victoria International Airport, rescued 19 stray cats, and brought them back to the Vancouver area.
On August 1, Brean added two volunteers helped seven more cats make their way to the Vancouver area.
Brad Reid took on the first leg of the mission, flying the seven cats to Kelowna International Airport. Walter Chen then took over and flew them to the lower mainland.
Brean said the charity is entirely volunteer-based and expressed gratitude for the commitment of all three pilots.