Their long and furry friendship is about to come to an end — all because of the crisis at the Southern border.
A migrant who befriended a squirrel back in his native Venezuela, raising the rodent after nearly stepping on the creature when it was a baby, is expected to have to part ways with his bushy-tailed companion as he seeks asylum in the United States.
The man, known only as Yeison, named the squirrel NIko.
The pair have been inseparable, including during the perilous journey from Venezuela to the US border. On the road, Niko travels in Yeison’s backpack.
“I don’t want for him to be separated from me, because I know that we’d get heartsick. I’m sure of that,” Yeison, 23, said. “And if he doesn’t get sick, I hope he gets to be happy. And that he never forgets my face.”
Venezuelan migrant Yeison and his beloved squirrel Niko AP
Desperate measures are now being taken to allow Niko into the United States. APThat separation, however, appears increasingly likely. Yeison secured a coveted appointment Saturday to present himself at the border and formally request asylum. Animals are generally not permitted to cross.
“It would practically be like starting with nothing, without Niko,” Yeison lamented.
All hope, however, is not lost for Yeison and Niko. Ayudándoles A Triunfar, a local non-governmental organization said it was working with a veterinarian to make sure Niko has received all of the necessary vaccines.
Niko stands on the shoulders of Yeison in their tent at a migrant camp. AP“There’s a connection between him and the squirrel, so much that he preferred to bring it with him than leave the squirrel behind with family in Venezuela and face the dangers that come with the migrant journey. They gave each other courage,” said Ayudándoles A Triunfar, director Gladys Cañas.
During President Biden’s term in office migrants have swelled to the US border in record numbers. An eye-popping 3.8 million have found their way inside since 2021.
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