Not all wildfire stories are tragic. Some, like this one from Omodos, end with a smile.
In the aftermath of the wildfires that scorched parts of mountainous Limassol this week, a gentle and unexpected moment has captured the hearts of thousands: a group of donkeys trotting down the road, startled by helicopters overhead, but safe and together.
The video, shared by Facebook user Feelix Eer, was filmed in Omodos, where firefighting efforts continued into the night to contain flare-ups. Reportedly, the flames and the sound of low-flying fire helicopters prompted the donkeys to make a quick and cautious retreat.
With their oversized ears twitching, the donkeys move in single file- clearly spooked, but not panicked- before regrouping calmly by a nearby field. It’s a scene reminiscent of “cats during a thunderstorm”; a relatable moment of animal instinct and mild drama that has since gone viral.
The footage, taken during a tense night that saw rekindled fires in Pano Kyvides, Alassa, Zanakia, and Omodos, has touched hearts across Cyprus. Though described as “donkeys flee wildfire,” the video is less panic and more procession, a quiet reminder that resilience comes in many forms.
Scenes like this one remind us of the quiet strength found in animals, villages, and the people who protect them. And in a week filled with smoke, loss, and fear, it’s also a much-needed reminder that life goes on, sometimes four hooves at a time.
Also read: Fire relief website launched with vital resources
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