Overview
- Rescuers using a helicopter-mounted thermal camera spotted Molly at the base of a waterfall on Tuesday, then flew her out alive.
- Her owner, Jessica Johnston, had earlier activated a personal locator beacon after a fall in the remote Arahura Valley, prompting a government rescue helicopter to evacuate her.
- Precision Helicopters organized a public fundraiser that quickly surpassed NZ$11,000, covering costly flight time that runs about NZ$50 per minute.
- The retrieval team brought a vet nurse and even a calm companion dog for support, a choice shaped by the Southern Alps’ steep bush and high rainfall.
- The pilot said Molly was in surprisingly good condition, likely after eating feral possums, and the reunion lifted her recovering owner’s spirits.