Orlando, FL — A beloved family dog who traveled roughly 2,300 miles from Venezuela to the United States, including a trek through the dangerous Darién Gap, is now waiting in a Florida animal shelter after his family was detained.
Simba made the extraordinary journey in 2022 with his owner, Yurimar, her husband and their three children as the family traveled from Venezuela while seeking political asylum in the U.S.
Throughout the journey, Simba stayed close to his family. According to My Dog Is My Home, he was even carried inside a backpack as the family traveled through Colombia, Central America and Mexico, including their passage through the Darién Gap.
After reaching the United States, Simba was temporarily separated from his family.
Rescue helped keep Simba with his owners
The family worked with Bridge Pups Rescue, an El Paso, Texas-based organization that helps asylum-seeking families maintain care of their pets during the immigration process.
Bridge Pups cared for Simba at its facilities while Yurimar and her family looked for housing that would allow them to keep their dog.
Once the family found pet-inclusive housing, Simba was able to return to them. For the next several years, the dog remained an important part of the family.
That changed dramatically on Sept. 10, when Yurimar and her children were detained during Yurimar’s immigration appointment in Florida, according to My Dog Is My Home. The family was subsequently flown to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas.
At the time, Yurimar’s husband’s whereabouts were unknown. With no one available to care for Simba at home, the dog was eventually taken to Orange County Animal Services in Orlando after a neighbor heard him alone.
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Rescue founder became alarmed by Simba’s silence
Before her detention, Yurimar had reportedly contacted Bridge Pups after learning she might have to self-deport. Ruby Montana, founder of Bridge Pups Rescue, said Yurimar’s concern for Simba was immediate.
“Since meeting Yurimar in 2022, I have witnessed firsthand the immense love she has for her children and for Simba, whom she lovingly calls her ‘hijo’,” Montana told PEOPLE in a statement.
Montana said Yurimar had reached out because she did not want to leave Simba behind.
“We had been communicating nearly every day for the past two weeks. Her sudden silence, my calls going to voicemail, and Simba ending up at the Orange County, Florida, animal shelter were deeply alarming,” Montana said.
Montana said she later received confirmation that Yurimar was being held at an ICE detention facility in Texas.
Bridge Pups works to bring Simba back
Bridge Pups Rescue has since been working to obtain custody of Simba from the Florida shelter.
The organization said it is arranging for Simba to stay with a foster family in Orlando before he can eventually be transported back to Bridge Pups in El Paso.
The rescue is also trying to remain in contact with Yurimar and keep her informed about Simba’s situation. Montana said Simba is experiencing separation anxiety after being separated from his family.
“[Simba] has separation anxiety from his family, so I can only imagine the confusion,” Montana said in a video shared by the rescue.
Rescue hopes family and dog can reunite
For now, Bridge Pups is focused on making sure Simba has somewhere safe to stay while his family’s situation remains unresolved. The rescue hopes Simba can eventually be reunited with Yurimar and her family once they are released from detention.
What do you think about Simba’s incredible journey and the rescue effort to reunite him with his family? Share your thoughts in the comments.
