Rescue of the animal was “impossible” and endangered the army already on duty
Colombian military forces have suspended their search for Wilson, who helped find the children in the Amazon. Newspaper Notícias Caracol.
General Pedro Sánchez said the search was called off after nearly 20 days in the Guayar forest and animal rescue was “impossible”.
“We used all our resources, we spared no effort, we used our human and technical capabilities and put food where the troops were stationed, putting our own troops at risk as well,” the official added.
In the “Let’s Go for Wilson” operation, 50 men, rather than 70 men, were involved in logistics, and pitches in the heat were used to get Wilson’s attention, but without success.
#VamosPorWilson | The skills of our canine counterparts: soldier and dogs are critical to success in humanitarian operations of search and rescue. Wilson has participated in various activities. We will not rest until we find him! pic.twitter.com/me9WCM0Gcs
— Fuerzas Militares de Colombia (@FuerzasMilCol) June 21, 2023
Although Wilson did not return from his mission, his work in “Operation Hope” which rescued four brothers who had gone missing in the jungle would be recognized and the soldiers who did not return from the expedition would receive special recognition.
“Wilson is the symbol of a command that never returned from a mission. We are not going to honor him, but we are going to pay tribute to all the dogs who lost their lives protecting Colombians, especially the military and the police. They left a mission and never returned home,” the official revealed.
Wilson, a six-year-old Belgian shepherd, was instrumental in rescuing the children. He found the hut where the boys were staying, according to officials quoted by El Tiempo newspaper.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”