Rescue Nears Breakthrough as Missing Dachshund Valerie Returns to Trap Site

After 500 days at large on Kangaroo Island, new footage shows Valerie confidently entering a trap equipped with familiar items, with a remote trigger system set to be installed imminently.

Valerie, a miniature dachshund missing since November 2023, has been spotted returning regularly to a trap site on Kangaroo Island.
Rescue efforts led by Kangala Wildlife Rescue have incorporated advanced technology, including 4G-connected webcams and a remote trigger system nearing installation.
Recent footage shows Valerie confidently exploring a trap outfitted with her toys, bed, and familiar scents, signaling behavioral adaptation to the setup.
Experts express concern over the ecological impact of Valerie's prolonged presence on the island, as she may have survived on local fauna or roadkill.
Rescuers are optimistic that the new remote trigger system will enable her safe capture in the coming days, marking a potential end to her 500-day ordeal.