The ESAM, a Portrait of Animal Rescue in the Mountains!

Mountains—and nature more broadly—offer a vast playground for exploration, both for humans and animals. However, while tracking a scent, following game, straying from a herd, or simply wandering freely, animals can sometimes find themselves in dangerous situations.

A Team of Dedicated Volunteers

A team of volunteers devotes their time and energy to rescuing these animals. In places where public emergency services may not be able to intervene, ESAM steps in at the request of owners, local authorities, or even bystanders who have witnessed an animal in distress. This association, funded solely by donations and partnerships, is a one-of-a-kind initiative worldwide! Their rescues mainly involve domestic animals or wildlife, in coordination with wildlife rehabilitation centers.

High-Risk Situations

Each rescue presents its own set of challenges and constraints. Is the animal “embarré”, meaning stuck in a steep area? Is it injured? Lost? Trapped by extreme weather conditions? ESAM answers the call, assesses the situation, and deploys the necessary resources to carry out the rescue.

Veterinarians, drone pilots, rope access technicians—ESAM volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, but all are trained rescuers. Their expertise in mountainous terrain is a major asset, as they sometimes have to reach locations where no human would dare set foot. Rescuers often need to install ropes, cams, or anchors to ensure their safety and evacuate the animals. In extreme cases, airlifting is required, which means hiring a private helicopter—an expensive solution that highlights the financial limitations of this volunteer-based organization.

Unusual Rescues

Some ESAM rescues are truly out of the ordinary. Take, for example, Jumpy the wallaby, who roamed free for a month in Chasse-sur-Rhône, near Lyon, before being rescued by ESAM. Or the llama that escaped its enclosure and ended up stranded at the base of a cliff. Not to mention the many pet rescues requested by concerned owners. You can discover these incredible stories and more at https://www.esam-secours.fr/.

Galibier’s Support for ESAM

United by a shared passion for nature and the environment, Galibier has chosen to support ESAM by donating several pairs of Super Rando Mid boots to equip their teams.

This is a fantastic opportunity to test the Super Rando Mid in varied and challenging conditions. The entire team eagerly awaits the rescuers’ feedback.

To support the Mountain Animal Rescue Team (ESAM), visit their website, their Facebook page, or contribute directly to their online fundraiser.