Football Captain Receives PETA’s ‘Hero to Animals’ Award for Saving Injured Seagull

Istanbul — Football captain Gani Çatan is being recognized by PETA after rushing to help an injured seagull during a playoff final. The captain of Istanbul Yurdum Spor sprang into action after the ball accidentally struck a low-flying gull, sending the bird spiraling to the ground.

Rather than continuing play, Çatan immediately ran to the animal’s side and began performing chest compressions in an effort to revive the stunned bird. After several tense moments, the seagull showed signs of life, and the captain gently carried the bird safely off the pitch for further care. Thanks to Çatan, the gull has reportedly survived the impact and is recovering from a wing injury.

“Gani Çatan showed remarkable compassion by stopping everything to help an animal in need,” says PETA Asia President Jason Baker. “His actions are a powerful reminder that kindness counts far beyond the final score—and that true sportsmanship includes empathy for all living beings.”

In recognition of his compassion, PETA is honoring Çatan with a Hero to Animals Award, which includes a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation. The group hopes his actions will inspire others to show compassion toward animals and to come to their aid whenever possible.

PETA encourages anyone who encounters injured wildlife to contact local wildlife rehabilitators whenever it is safe to do so and reminds the public that simple acts of kindness can make a life-saving difference for animals in need.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone. For more information, please visit PETAAsia.com or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

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