Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Two Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A Wolf
User submission
45K
328K

Two Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A Wolf

Two Guys In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was Actually A WolfTwo Construction Workers In Estonia Rescued Estonian Men Save A Drowning Dog In Icy Water, Realizes It's A Wolf At The ShelterMen Show Up To An Animal Shelter With A Dog They Rescued From A Freeing River, Turns Out It's A WolfYoung Estonian Workers Encounter A Drowning Dog, Rush To Rescue Only To Find Out Later It Was A WolfPeople Rush To Help A Dog Trapped In Icy Water, Realizes They Just Saved A WolfTwo Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A WolfTwo Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A WolfTwo Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A WolfTwo Workers In Estonia Rescued “Dog” From Frozen Lake, Brought It To Shelter Without Knowing It Was A Wolf
ADVERTISEMENT

Three kind-hearted construction workers from Estonia, who saved an animal from a frozen river, had the adventure of their lives this Wednesday. Rando Kartsepp, Robin Sillamäe, and Erki Väli were all doing dredging work when they noticed what looked like a dog trapped on the dam, swimming through the icy water of Parnu river. After clearing a path through the thin ice, they took the animal out of the water, wrapped it in a towel, and put it in a car to make him warm in below zero temperatures. “We had to carry him over the slope. He weighed a fair bit,” one of the workers remembers.

More info: Eestimaa Loomakaitse Liit

The three men called the animal rescue and were told to take the ‘dog’ to a veterinary clinic in a nearby city. Rando, one of the workers, said that the animal was sleeping peacefully in the car, with its head resting on the man’s lap. According to him, it was calm and when Rando wanted to stretch his legs, it raised its head for a moment. The specialists later found out that the wild animal had low blood pressure at the moment, which might explain the docile behavior displayed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Soon after the animal was rescued, the Estonian Animal Protection Union took it to Facebook and posted: “When we got to the shore, the poor grey wolf was very exhausted, hypothermic and frozen. Young men quickly ran into the car, brought a towel, and dried the beautiful animal. Then he took him to a warm car and called the animal protection Union. It was also a challenge for the union to think about what to do in the morning at 8 with a dog in [distress], who could also have been a wolf.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The wolf has been already nursed back into health and released into the wild after the researchers from the National Environmental Agency put a GPS collar around his neck. The Estonian Union for the Protection of Animals (EUPA) paid for the wolf’s treatment and later told the media: “We are so happy for the outcome of the story, and wish to thank all the participants – especially these men who rescued the wolf and the doctors of the clinic who were not afraid to treat and nurture the wild animal.”

ADVERTISEMENT

If you want to support the Estonian Animal Protection Union, who are helping the animals like this wolf, you can donate to them via these bank accounts:
EE742200221052074915 (Swedbank)
EE441010220252652225 (SEB)

The name of the organisation to be donated to is Eestimaa Loomakaitse Liit.

People were praising the construction workers for such a kind-hearted action

ADVERTISEMENT

328Kviews

Share on Facebook
Gerda

Gerda

Author, Community member

Read more »

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Read less »
Gerda

Gerda

Author, Community member

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

What do you think ?
Add photo comments
POST
Vlad Horobet
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It' supposed to be rescued only by the fact alone that it's a living being and not only that it's an animal, even if it's a wild one. Good job on those guys and the shelter, but they got lucky with the hunter who saw it's actually a wolf and not a scarred dog though. It's like one of those jokes "i got drunk and got myself a cat last night" and it's photo with some guy and a raccoon or something xD.

FortnitePlayerGirl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor baby. I hope he leads a happy and healthy life after what he's been through!

Eliyahu Rooff
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It reminds me of what Mark Twain wrote about dogs: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any animal in distress deserves to be helped, be it a domestic animal or wild. You see these guys hoik moose and deer out of frozen lakes - why not a wolf?

Philippe Jespersen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One look on the thumbnail picture and I could see this wasn't a dog. 😂

Janis Wise
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was a wildlife rehabilitor for many years. Wild animals can be very dangerous, especially when terrified, so can domestics if in pain and scared. We learned how to handle different animals in ways less dangerous. But that’s how I figured out my affinity for animals, all animals, by pulling dangerous stunts like these men, I’d go with the moment and not think twice about it because an animal is in need. Even now, retired, I carry blankets, welding gloves, towels, rope & leashes in the trunk. Safer that way friends. Good job guys. If everyone was this way, there would be no wars.

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooh the welding gloves are a great idea! I will be purchasing some, thanks for the idea

Load More Replies...
bubamara
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same thing I did with my husband, thought he is a stray dog...oops.

Janis Wise
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone can help by keeping a Wildlife Rehabilitators number handy at all times. Carry a small rescue kit in case you come across a dog that’s been hit or the like. Couple old towels, a blanket, gloves, leash and rope. Approach slowly. Ask for help. Also, if you’re able, donate a few bucks to these groups. We didn’t get paid to do this and supplies and medicine we counted on donations for. Don’t just read about it, be a part of the solution if you’re able. Be the voice of those who have none. Thanks for reading.

Aunt Messy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was young and dumb at the time and he got very lucky. Thankfully wolves are smart. He won't be doing that again.

Cheryl Nugent
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Estonia deserves credit and thanks... afterall, our domestic dogs were once wolves and they're very smart. I love this story, some good lessons here.

Sworlay
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading all those beautiful comments I am dreaming of a world where people show such an amount of compassion for pigs, cows and chickens...

Riz Leslie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m glad they saved the beautiful wolf. That gps tracker looks uncomfortable though

Liis Roden
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(on he's return to his pack) Pack Leader: "Frisk him, he might wear a wire!"

BusLady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"What was it like, living like a spoiled house pet?" "It was great, man! They gave me these things called Milkbones."

Load More Replies...
Minnie-me
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, you people are amazing for saving this guy! However, how could you not know this was a wild animal? Either way, you are the best!

Karen Klinck
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you look at the way the tail hangs, a young wolf looks just like a young Husky. Huskies are, IIRC, the closest breed to the wolf. What they were looking at was a shivering, half-drowned animal that looked like a dog. yearlings are skinny, long-legged goofballs. (I got to meet a couple, once. Like 8 of them...)

Load More Replies...
Susanna Vesna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cant believe these 2 Estonian guys couldn't recognize a wolf! lol Glad they saved him!

Roberto Durante
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

great action full of compassion for living being, because , animals are living being

Jeannie Carle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks more like one of our local coyotes to me <3 <3 <3 Thanks guys, and the shelter.

Lisa J
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how the first picture conveys "da faq is going on here?!"

Lingon
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remove the Swedbank account, they are being investigated after their money laundering for the russian mob has been discovered.

Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a memory those kind men, and those at the vet, will have forever. Would they have saved it if they had known it was a wolf?

Ola Polowczyk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the wolf's expression. "Where TF am I? WTF is going on? Why are they calling me a "good boy"???" :D

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have fainted when I found out it was a WOLF!! Good guys.

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yay saving animals! I love stories that literally have no downsides.

Kim Bush
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm grateful to them for rescuing him, but I have to ask, how could anyone mistake what was obviously a wolf for being a dog? Luckily all involved had a happy ending. But to look at that face, and into those eyes, and think it was a dog just amazes me.

R.s. Potter
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What breed of dog did they think it was? I can't think of any domestic dog that looks quite like a wolf!

Karen Klinck
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the sled breeds. Some of them look an awful lot like a yearling wolf. I met a Shepherd/wolf cross once. You couldn't tell she was a wolf unless you saw her sitting on a bench with her tail straight down. Then it was unmistakable. But, honestly, a yearling wolf is a scrawny, long-legged s**t that looks like his husky counterpart, except for the tail. Met 8 yearling wolves, too. They took one look at us weird creatures and all sat on top of the den mound, out of reach.

Load More Replies...
Thies Schaper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be like rescuing humans from a sinking ship: Only one specific ethnicity preferred. The others can go down with the wreck. Too bad one's family and friends don't have the preferred skin colour or political point of view.

TJler
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Shittin-on-me that wild should have died so I wouldn't have to look at that ugly a*s fat Marilyn Manson fat a*s dog. Barf literally

Wanda Queen
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is a great story. Wish they'd have skipped the GPS collar, though, tbh.

Alia G.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The GPS collar doesn't hurt the wolf and helps us to understand their behavior so that we can help the species.

Load More Replies...
Vlad Horobet
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It' supposed to be rescued only by the fact alone that it's a living being and not only that it's an animal, even if it's a wild one. Good job on those guys and the shelter, but they got lucky with the hunter who saw it's actually a wolf and not a scarred dog though. It's like one of those jokes "i got drunk and got myself a cat last night" and it's photo with some guy and a raccoon or something xD.

FortnitePlayerGirl
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor baby. I hope he leads a happy and healthy life after what he's been through!

Eliyahu Rooff
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It reminds me of what Mark Twain wrote about dogs: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any animal in distress deserves to be helped, be it a domestic animal or wild. You see these guys hoik moose and deer out of frozen lakes - why not a wolf?

Philippe Jespersen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One look on the thumbnail picture and I could see this wasn't a dog. 😂

Janis Wise
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was a wildlife rehabilitor for many years. Wild animals can be very dangerous, especially when terrified, so can domestics if in pain and scared. We learned how to handle different animals in ways less dangerous. But that’s how I figured out my affinity for animals, all animals, by pulling dangerous stunts like these men, I’d go with the moment and not think twice about it because an animal is in need. Even now, retired, I carry blankets, welding gloves, towels, rope & leashes in the trunk. Safer that way friends. Good job guys. If everyone was this way, there would be no wars.

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooh the welding gloves are a great idea! I will be purchasing some, thanks for the idea

Load More Replies...
bubamara
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same thing I did with my husband, thought he is a stray dog...oops.

Janis Wise
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone can help by keeping a Wildlife Rehabilitators number handy at all times. Carry a small rescue kit in case you come across a dog that’s been hit or the like. Couple old towels, a blanket, gloves, leash and rope. Approach slowly. Ask for help. Also, if you’re able, donate a few bucks to these groups. We didn’t get paid to do this and supplies and medicine we counted on donations for. Don’t just read about it, be a part of the solution if you’re able. Be the voice of those who have none. Thanks for reading.

Aunt Messy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was young and dumb at the time and he got very lucky. Thankfully wolves are smart. He won't be doing that again.

Cheryl Nugent
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Estonia deserves credit and thanks... afterall, our domestic dogs were once wolves and they're very smart. I love this story, some good lessons here.

Sworlay
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading all those beautiful comments I am dreaming of a world where people show such an amount of compassion for pigs, cows and chickens...

Riz Leslie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m glad they saved the beautiful wolf. That gps tracker looks uncomfortable though

Liis Roden
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(on he's return to his pack) Pack Leader: "Frisk him, he might wear a wire!"

BusLady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"What was it like, living like a spoiled house pet?" "It was great, man! They gave me these things called Milkbones."

Load More Replies...
Minnie-me
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, you people are amazing for saving this guy! However, how could you not know this was a wild animal? Either way, you are the best!

Karen Klinck
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you look at the way the tail hangs, a young wolf looks just like a young Husky. Huskies are, IIRC, the closest breed to the wolf. What they were looking at was a shivering, half-drowned animal that looked like a dog. yearlings are skinny, long-legged goofballs. (I got to meet a couple, once. Like 8 of them...)

Load More Replies...
Susanna Vesna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cant believe these 2 Estonian guys couldn't recognize a wolf! lol Glad they saved him!

Roberto Durante
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

great action full of compassion for living being, because , animals are living being

Jeannie Carle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks more like one of our local coyotes to me <3 <3 <3 Thanks guys, and the shelter.

Lisa J
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how the first picture conveys "da faq is going on here?!"

Lingon
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remove the Swedbank account, they are being investigated after their money laundering for the russian mob has been discovered.

Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a memory those kind men, and those at the vet, will have forever. Would they have saved it if they had known it was a wolf?

Ola Polowczyk
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the wolf's expression. "Where TF am I? WTF is going on? Why are they calling me a "good boy"???" :D

Nikki D
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have fainted when I found out it was a WOLF!! Good guys.

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yay saving animals! I love stories that literally have no downsides.

Kim Bush
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm grateful to them for rescuing him, but I have to ask, how could anyone mistake what was obviously a wolf for being a dog? Luckily all involved had a happy ending. But to look at that face, and into those eyes, and think it was a dog just amazes me.

R.s. Potter
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What breed of dog did they think it was? I can't think of any domestic dog that looks quite like a wolf!

Karen Klinck
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the sled breeds. Some of them look an awful lot like a yearling wolf. I met a Shepherd/wolf cross once. You couldn't tell she was a wolf unless you saw her sitting on a bench with her tail straight down. Then it was unmistakable. But, honestly, a yearling wolf is a scrawny, long-legged s**t that looks like his husky counterpart, except for the tail. Met 8 yearling wolves, too. They took one look at us weird creatures and all sat on top of the den mound, out of reach.

Load More Replies...
Thies Schaper
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be like rescuing humans from a sinking ship: Only one specific ethnicity preferred. The others can go down with the wreck. Too bad one's family and friends don't have the preferred skin colour or political point of view.

TJler
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Shittin-on-me that wild should have died so I wouldn't have to look at that ugly a*s fat Marilyn Manson fat a*s dog. Barf literally

Wanda Queen
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This is a great story. Wish they'd have skipped the GPS collar, though, tbh.

Alia G.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The GPS collar doesn't hurt the wolf and helps us to understand their behavior so that we can help the species.

Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda