Whale-Watching Tour Company Nabs PETA Award for Rescuing Drowning Deer

Distressed Animal Saved off the Coast of Shelter Island

For Immediate Release:
August 3, 2016

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Business Award is on its way from PETA to Gastineau Guiding Company in recognition of an excursion last week that turned from whale-watching to deer-saving when tourists spotted a deer struggling to stay afloat in the water near Juneau’s Shelter Island. A larger tour boat had reportedly given up on the rescue, but the passengers and crew on Gastineau Guiding Company’s boat kept at it and were eventually able to pull the exhausted, shivering deer out of the water and transport the animal safely back to land.

“Gastineau Guiding Company’s passengers and crew persevered and ultimately saved this deer from an exhausting, terrifying death in Alaskan waters,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA knows that their kindness and determination will remind others never to pass by an animal in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping wildlife on its website, including by keeping an eye out for animals in distress and calling authorities immediately if an animal is in danger. People can also help animals every day by crushing cans, replacing the lids on glass jars, securely closing trash cans, and cutting up plastic six-pack rings so that garbage doesn’t harm them.

Gastineau Guiding Company will receive a framed certificate and delicious vegan Chocolate to the Rescue! bars.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.