What's happened
New footage of Valerie, a miniature dachshund missing for over 500 days on Kangaroo Island, shows her playing with food boxes. Rescuers from Kangala Wildlife Rescue are optimistic about capturing her soon, as she has been visiting a trap site regularly. The search continues after her disappearance in November 2023.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Valerie has been missing for over 500 days, evading capture on Kangaroo Island.
- Recent footage shows her becoming more comfortable around a trap site, indicating progress in the rescue efforts.
Rescue Efforts
- Kangala Wildlife Rescue has adapted their approach, using a trap designed to feel familiar to Valerie, complete with her toys and food.
- A new remote trigger system is being implemented to improve capture chances, reflecting innovative problem-solving in wildlife rescue.
Community Impact
- The story has garnered global attention, highlighting the bond between pets and their owners.
- Supporters are hopeful for Valerie's safe return, showcasing community engagement in animal welfare.
What the papers say
According to Maroosha Muzaffar in The Independent, the rescue team expressed joy at seeing Valerie play with food boxes, stating, "It was so encouraging to see her getting more comfortable coming back into the area." Meanwhile, Tory Shepherd from The Guardian noted the challenges of capturing Valerie due to other wildlife interference, emphasizing the need for careful handling. Kangala Wildlife Rescue's innovative use of technology, as reported by SBS, aims to enhance their trapping methods, indicating a proactive approach to the rescue. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the emotional and logistical complexities involved in Valerie's rescue.
How we got here
Valerie went missing in November 2023 while on holiday with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. After an initial search was abandoned, sightings resumed in March 2025, leading to renewed efforts by Kangala Wildlife Rescue to capture her safely.
Go deeper
- What are the latest updates on Valerie's rescue?
- How has the community reacted to Valerie's situation?
- What challenges do rescuers face in capturing her?
Common question
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What is the latest news on the search for missing dog Valerie?
Valerie, a miniature dachshund, has been missing for over 500 days on Kangaroo Island. Recent developments in her search have sparked hope among rescuers and her owners. This page explores the latest updates, the challenges faced by rescue teams, and what we can learn from this ongoing rescue effort.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.