With the arrival of spring, thousands of volunteer fawn rescuers across the country are preparing for a new, busy season. In a few weeks, mowing will begin in meadows and fields, marking a life-threatening time for fawns and other wild animals. When danger strikes, the young animals instinctively hide in the tall grass, leaving them defenseless against the mowers. The German Animal Welfare Federation is therefore urgently calling for support: Thermal imaging drones and dedicated volunteers are needed for the vital work of fawn rescue.
“Fawn rescue is animal welfare in action and always a race against time,” explains James Brückner, head of the Wildlife Department at the German Animal Welfare Federation. “Without modern technology such as drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and without dedicated, trained volunteers, many young animals cannot be saved.”
In recent years alone, thanks to the efforts of volunteer teams, thousands of fawns and many other animals have been saved from a cruel death. But the need is growing: more and more areas need to be monitored, while at the same time the necessary equipment is lacking in many places. High-quality drones are costly, and training and coordinating volunteers require additional resources.
OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT REPRESENTS MANY
On behalf of the numerous dedicated fawn rescue groups throughout Germany, the German Animal Welfare Federation names the association “Wir retten Rehkitze” from Bavaria. For its exceptional dedication, the association was awarded the 2025 German Animal Welfare Prize in the “People’s Choice” category. “The award stands for all those who get up early in the morning, tirelessly search meadows, raise awareness among farmers, and rescue young animals—mostly on a volunteer basis and with great personal commitment,” says the German Animal Welfare Federation.
The Animal Welfare Federation appeals to the public to support fawn rescues by donating money for drones and equipment or by actively participating in local rescue teams. Those interested can find information on fawn rescue and ways to support the cause through regional fawn rescue initiatives, such as on the website of Wir retten Rehkitze e.V.
ABOUT WIR RETTEN REHKITZE E.V.:
Wir retten Rehkitze e.V., based in Neufahrn (Bavaria), was founded in 2022 by Martina Zander and is now one of the fastest-growing fawn rescue organizations in Germany. With a network of over 145 volunteers and currently 11 drones, the organization protects wild animals from being mowed down every spring—free of charge for farmers. In addition to its rescue operations, the association focuses on intensive public outreach: lectures, school visits, information booths, and collaborations with other animal welfare groups, including those outside the region. The association is currently in the process of establishing a nationwide network. The work is highly coordinated, flexible on a regional level, and utilizes modern technology—all supported by a strong commitment from volunteers. In a recently published book, “Wir retten Rehkitze” (We Save Fawns), the association has compiled interesting and heartwarming stories about fawn rescue.
Contact: Martina Zander, Tel. 0176-30772031, Email: info@wir-retten-rehkitze.com, www.wir-retten-rehkitze.com
