Earlier this month, heavy rains caused severe flooding across much of Henry County, Indiana, impacting thousands of residents and forcing dozens to evacuate their homes. People, however, weren’t the only ones impacted by the storm and rising waters.
On
the doorstep of a local business, Good Samaritans spotted a waterlogged baby bunny who’d sought out shelter. But he was not alone. By his side was a sparrow.
The unlikely pair huddled together for warmth, mere inches from the floodwaters.
“This photo looks like something out of a children’s book,” Wild Mother Nature Animal Rescue wrote. “These are two more victims of the flood.”
Thankfully, both the bunny and the sparrow were given a lifeline. The Good Samaritans took them in for safekeeping until rescuers could arrive.
“Our hearts sank upon hearing about the two babies, but we were hopeful,” Halli Hunt, co-founder and director of Wild Mother Nature Animal Rescue, told The Dodo. “The floods were scary enough for us humans, and it made me imagine how terrifying it must have been for the animals to have their homes suddenly washed away.”
Fortunately, just like something out of a children’s book, their story would have a happy ending.
The following day, after the storm had passed and the floodwaters had receded, the bunny was released back into the wild with a clean bill of health.
The young sparrow’s path would be different.
House sparrows aren’t native to North America and typically aren’t released after entering human care. But this little bird will still have a fulfilling life.
“They make wonderful pets and can form strong bonds with their people!” Hunt said.
In fact, Hunt has decided to adopt the sparrow herself.
Amid so much turmoil, the bunny and sparrow found warmth and comfort in each other — followed by even more from the people who came to their aid.
“This is my life’s work,” Hunt said. “They’re saving me just as much as I’m saving them.”
