Kayaker Rescues Deer From Drowning In Turbulent River

Jul 24, 2020 by apost team

It’s not every day you come across a wild animal in need, but when Fabrizio “Gass” Capizzo and fellow whitewater kayakers found this small deer drowning in the harsh Candigliano River waters of San Merino, Italy nothing was going to stop them from saving the frightened animal.

As captured from Capizzo’s head-cam, the kayaking crew come across the deer barely floating above water in the strong river current. Immediately, the crew knows they need to act fast and begin to surround the unfortunate deer as they try to catch it. Despite their efforts, the river’s strong current continues to battle back and swiftly pulls the animal farther downstream.

Capizzo knows at this moment it is now or never and abruptly turns his kayak around to chase the struggling deer downriver. 

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Watching the deer’s head bob in and out of the water, Caprizzo follows the deer around the meander and finally catches up to and successfully pulls the animal from the water and onto his kayak.

As he tows the deer through safer water along the shoreline to look for land, the other kayakers find the pair. They help Caprizzo bring the drenched deer onto land. As one of the kayakers tries to pull the deer up by its antlers, Caprizzo passionately insists for him to stop. Instead, the other kayaker carefully picks up the deer and cradles him up the rocks.

The group finds a safe spot on land and lovingly strokes the soaking wet animal to try to warm the little deer and help it stand on its own. Luckily, the thankful deer can stand and walks away from the group unharmed.

As the group watches their new friend walk-off, one kayaker takes out his camera, says “Sorriso” (smile), and snaps a picture to remember the deer they saved.

While the whitewater kayakers had no idea where their day would take them when they started to paddle that day, with fast thinking, compassion, and superb kayaking skills, Caprizzo and crew saved the day for this small deer.

What did you think of the Kayaker's brave rescue? Have you ever saved an animal in distress? Let us know in the comments and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!