The Hawaii Island Humane Society continues to conduct helicopter animal rescues in the isolated areas of Pohoiki, as well as trapping missions in Leilani Estates three or four days a week.

“We trapped an additional eight cats in Pohoiki yesterday, mostly owned and friendly, with one feral cat,” a HIHS spokesperson said.

Seven head of cattle removed—all were adults or young adults.

HIHS has rescued 352 animals from Kīlauea’s Lower East Rift Zone since the eruption began on May 3, 2018.

SPONSORED VIDEO The tally includes 100 cats, 40 chickens and five dogs that were picked up in July.

Paradise Helicopters has played a vital role in providing air transportation, airlifting large

animals from the isolated areas.

The animal rescues have been a group effort between HIHS, animal rescues organizations, the

community, residents and businesses.

There are still many animals inside the mandatory evacuation zone east of Pomaikai Street in Leilani Estates.

This week a feral pig was found on Leilani Avenue. He befriended U.S. Geological Survey’s drone team, members of the media and emergency officials. On July 28, the pig was rescued and taken to the Kona HIHS location. He will be going to a vegan sanctuary in Kona. He was so friendly, rescuers were able to pick him up and load him into a crate.

The LERZ eruption is now the longest one ever recorded in the area and is biggest eruption from Kīlauea in over 200 years.

As the numbers show, pets and feral cats have been heavily impacted.

At this time, there is a need for support for the cats that have been evacuated from these areas.

According to HIHS Executive Director Donna Whitaker, there is a need for fosters for feral cats.

“Fostering unsocialized cats is free to the foster and we provide food,” explained Whitaker. “It’s helpful if you have experience with these cats because they are still wild and just need a quiet, contained place with food and water. They are actually happier without much human interaction. We have about 25 at the shelter and it is a stressful place for these cats. These animals have been through so much over the last 13 weeks and need a safe place to recuperate.”

The ASPCA is no longer in Hawai‘i assisting with animal rescues.

For more information or to become a foster parent, go online.