Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Teri Rehkopf
In May 2024, massive floods hit Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, leaving entire communities—and countless animals—trapped. Amid the devastation, one story stood out: a caramel-colored horse, later named Caramelo, stranded balancing on a narrow, partially submerged rooftop in Canoas, fighting to survive.
How Did a Stranded Horse on a Rooftop Capture a Nation’s Heart?
Caramelo, a horse stranded on a rooftop during Brazil’s floods, captured the nation’s heart. His daring rescue brought together firefighters, vets, and volunteers—proof that even in crisis, kindness wins.
For days, he stood there, perched precariously on two slippery asbestos strips, surrounded by floodwaters with no food or fresh water. His plight captivated the nation, sparking a massive rescue effort that would take multiple attempts and the combined efforts of firefighters, veterinarians, soldiers, and volunteers to succeed.
I am lucky that we don’t live in a floodplain. As a Florida native, I’m aware of many of the places that flood, at least in the northern part of Florida. Floods and fires scare me, mostly because when I was younger, I had fought wildfires on horseback and dealt with a flood after Hurricane Dora in 1964 when my horse saved me.
Four Days Stranded: The Struggle for Survival
Caramelo was first seen on a rooftop in the Mathias Velho neighborhood of Canoas, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods. He had been stranded there for nearly four days, a feat that veterinarians later credited to his good health prior to the disaster—he must have been well-fed and hydrated before the floodwaters rose.
His image, captured by television news helicopters, spread rapidly across social media, with the hashtag #SaveTheCanoasHorse trending as thousands of people demanded immediate action. Memes, emotional posts, and even messages from public figures flooded the internet, all calling for Caramelo’s rescue.
The First Rescue Attempt Fails
On May 8, the first team of rescuers attempted to reach Caramelo, but strong currents and dangerous conditions made it impossible. Firefighters tried to approach, but the horse was visibly weak, and the risk of him slipping into the water was too high.
A Daring Rescue Mission
The following day, on May 9, an elite team of firefighters, veterinarians, and Brazilian Army personnel launched a carefully planned operation. They knew they had one shot at getting him off the roof safely.
Using five inflatable boats and a helicopter, the team reached Caramelo and immediately began working to sedate and immobilize him. His condition was deteriorating, and they needed to act fast. Once sedated, all 770 pounds of him were gently laid onto an inflatable raft and transported through the floodwaters to safety.
The entire operation was broadcast live on Brazilian television, and millions watched in suspense as rescuers worked together to bring the stranded horse to solid ground.
A Nation Cheers for Caramelo
As the rescue unfolded, social media exploded with joy and relief. Influencer Felipe Neto kept his 17 million followers updated in real-time and later even offered to adopt Caramelo. First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva personally whispered the good news into President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s ear during an official event. He responded with a smile, a thumbs-up, and a hug—a small but touching moment that showed just how much Caramelo’s story had impacted the country.
Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul summed up the emotions of many, posting on X: “All lives matter, we stand firm!”
Recovering from the Ordeal
After his dramatic rescue, Caramelo was transported to the veterinary hospital at the Lutheran University of Brazil (Ulbra) for treatment and recovery.
Veterinarian Mariângela Allgayer confirmed that he was extremely dehydrated but was responding well to care. Fellow veterinarian Bruno Schmitz, who helped during the rescue, described Caramelo as gentle and cooperative, which made the operation smoother despite the difficult conditions.
“This was one of the hardest rescues I’ve ever seen,” Schmitz said. “Even specialized teams have never experienced something like this. But thank God, everything worked out.”
Who Owns Caramelo?
With his newfound fame, multiple individuals came forward claiming ownership of Caramelo. As of May 10, he remained in the care of veterinarians, and authorities were working to verify who, if anyone, was his rightful owner. Meanwhile, many people—including celebrities—expressed interest in adopting him, ensuring that whatever happens next, Caramelo will be well cared for.
I was lucky to have fostered an ex-racehorse, Panimetro, who had broken his leg. He came to the US with a group of horses from the St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, some of which were rehomed after Tropical Storm Omar. Sadly, he had to be euthanized when his leg finally gave out, so I know what it feels like to rescue animals.
Caramelo’s Legacy and the Ongoing Animal Rescue Efforts
Caramelo’s rescue is just one of thousands taking place in Rio Grande do Sul. Officials report that over 10,000 animals have been saved since the flooding began, but thousands more remain stranded.
Heartwarming rescue stories continue to emerge. One viral video showed a man sobbing inside a boat, hugging his four dogs after rescuers risked their lives to retrieve them from his flooded home. Makeshift animal shelters have popped up across the region, run by dedicated volunteers working around the clock to care for displaced pets.
Animal rescue organizations, including Grad, a nonprofit specializing in post-disaster animal rescues, are now working with the government to expand their efforts and ensure that no animal is left behind.
I have worked with local animal disaster groups and assisted in helping distressed animals. My neighbor and her husband went to Louisiana to help rescue horses after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. This empowered them to establish a local CERT group in North Florida. I created and managed the website and took some classes so I could assist.
A Symbol of Resilience
Caramelo’s story is more than just a survival tale—it’s a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, even in the face of disaster.
As floodwaters slowly recede, Caramelo remains a symbol of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, compassion and determination can save lives—whether human or animal.
What do you think? Have you been in a survival or rescue situation? Were there animals involved? What happened? Let me know in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your perspective or situations, and I always reply.