These animals are lucky they have you to advocate for them.
Some animals get lucky by chance, but for others, it takes a determined, strategic effort to change their fate. Thanks to compassionate people like you, these incredible animals didn’t need a four-leaf clover to escape misery—your advocacy and donations to World Animal Protection helped them strike gold.
Here are seven animals who found their rainbow’s end, all because of you.
🍀 Melancia and Valente: Beating the Odds
Image credit: Fernando Faciole
Wildfires in the Pantanal devastated the landscape, leaving countless animals injured or displaced. Among them were two tapirs, Melancia and Valente, who were found with severe burns. But thanks to our incredible supporters, they got the cutting-edge care they needed. With the dedication of Onçafari and the support of World Animal Protection’s Brazil office, these two fighters are healing—proving that even after devastation, hope still blossoms.
🍀 Chinh: A Bear’s Golden Years
Image credit: FOUR PAWS
For twenty long years, Chinh knew nothing but darkness and suffering, trapped in the cruel bear bile industry. He never felt the sun on his fur, the wind in his face, or the freedom of his natural habitat. But luck was finally on his side. Thanks to the tireless work of FOUR PAWS, supported by World Animal Protection, and the Vietnam Forest Protection Department (FPD), Chinh now calls the FOUR PAWS Sanctuary home. No more cages. No more exploitation. Just fresh air, soft grass, and the company of fellow rescued bears.
🍀 Xamã: The Jaguar Who Roared Back
Image credit: World Animal Protection / Noelly Castro
Rescued as a tiny cub after being separated from his family during a wildfire, Xamã’s future was uncertain. But thanks to the dedication of our partners at Ecotono Institute (IEco) and Onçafari, he spent over two years learning the survival skills he needed to thrive. And on October 21, 2024, Xamã made history—becoming the first male jaguar rehabilitated and released back into the wild in Brazil. A true comeback story, proving that sometimes, the luck you need is a team that refuses to give up on you.
🍀 Mundi: A Life No Longer in the Red
Image credit: World Animal Protection / Katie Bryden
For nearly 35 years, Mundi lived in heartbreaking isolation at the Mayaguez Zoo in Puerto Rico. Forced to perform circus tricks and pose for selfies, she had no companionship, no freedom, and no real life to call her own. But thanks to a historic rescue effort by Wild Animal Sanctuary and Elephant Aid International (EAI), supported by World Animal Protection, Mundi now roams freely at Elephant Refuge North America. No more chains, no more forced performances—just the golden opportunity to live as she was meant to.
🍀 Cecília and Darlan: Two Orphans Given a Second Chance
Image Credit: World Animal Protection / Noelly Castro
Like our lucky tapirs, Cecília and Darlan are two anteaters who were also victims of Brazil’s wildfires. Found on a dirt road beside their mother—who tragically did not survive after a vehicle collision—these young anteaters faced a bleak future. But because of your support, and the efforts of Brazil’s Institute Tamanduá and World Animal Protection, they had a second chance at life. After over a year of rehabilitation as part of our Orphans of Fire Project, Cecília and Darlan were set free—wandering back into the wild where they belong.
🍀 Help Joyce Find Her Pot of Gold
Image credit: World Animal Protection / Miguel Endara
While these animals found their luck, there are still more who need your help.
Joyce has lived a life of heartbreak. She watched her family be mercilessly killed, was shipped across the U.S. as an entertainment prop, and now spends her days at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey—most of her days, with only the roar of roller coasters to keep her company.
But it doesn’t have to end this way.
Joyce deserves to be one of the lucky ones. She deserves freedom, peace, and the chance to spend her golden years at a sanctuary where she can heal.
You can be her lucky charm. Urge Six Flags to #FreeJoyce today.