A cat named Caramel was successfully rescued in the Botanic Garden of Samara University on the day of its grand opening. She had climbed to the very top of a tall tree and was unable to get down. Olga Kalashnikova, Director of the Botanic Garden, shared the details of the rescue operation with Samarskaya Gazeta.
Caramel first appeared near the administrative building about two weeks before the garden's opening. She was in poor condition.
"She was emaciated, weak, and completely voiceless. She could barely groom herself and stumbled toward us with the last of her strength," recalls Kalashnikova.
Staff members immediately brought the cat indoors: there are many dogs in the vicinity of the garden, and they were deeply concerned for the stray's safety. They fed her, nursed her back to health, and simultaneously searched for an animal shelter. They reached out to various organizations and individuals who occasionally foster cats, and were even willing to cover the costs of temporary foster care. However, all facilities were at capacity, so Caramel remained at the garden. She was named Caramel due to her coat color—a white base with beige patches.
Two days before the opening, the cat went missing. Staff searched for her day and night, but to no avail. On the morning of the garden's opening, meowing was heard near the building, but the source of the sound could not be located.
"Moreover, we knew that our Caramel had lost her voice, so we assumed it was another cat," says the Director.
In the evening, about 15 minutes before closing time, the meowing started again. Garden visitors—both adults and children—joined the search. Everyone headed down to the pond, fearing the cat might have fallen into the water or been injured by a dog. Suddenly, one of the visitors looked up and spotted Caramel at the very top of a tall elm tree. She let out a plaintive meow. Driven by desperation and fear, the poor creature had miraculously found her voice.
Staff immediately called Sergey, an arborist who has worked with the garden for a long time, trimming hazardous trees. A safety tarp was spread beneath the canopy in case the cat fell. The specialist ascended to the top using ropes and brought a large, heavy-duty backpack to transport the animal if necessary. However, Caramel did not run or scratch; she calmly allowed herself to be picked up. Sergey descended, tucking her safely inside his jacket.
"I asked him if he was scared. He replied that he has the proper equipment and has been doing this for a 'million years.' However, I believe there was still a risk, and Sergey is undoubtedly a hero," says the Director.
Once safely on the ground, the cat was immediately fed and given water. She now resides in the administrative building. She is about two years old, very affectionate, and clearly accustomed to human contact.
"She jumps onto my desk and lies right on the keyboard. It is obvious she was once a house cat," notes Kalashnikova.
Judging by her behavior, the cat has not yet been spayed.
The garden is now seeking a loving, forever home for Caramel, preferably in a house with a private yard, as she is used to having the freedom to go outside. Those interested in adopting her can contact the Botanical Garden administration at +7 (846) 222-92-38.
Source: sgpress.ru (Samarskaya Gazeta)
