Overview

• Valerie, a miniature dachshund, survived for 529 days in the wild after escaping from her owners’ campsite on Kangaroo Island in November 2023.
• Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers traveled over 5,000 kilometers and dedicated more than 1,000 hours to locate and safely capture her.
• The rescue team used remote-triggered traps, scent lures made from her owners’ clothing, and surveillance cameras to track and secure Valerie.
• Valerie was declared fit and well after her capture and is now transitioning back to her owners, who expressed deep gratitude for the rescue efforts.
• Her extraordinary survival story captivated global attention, with widespread media coverage and support from an international community of followers.