Bogotá Donation Drive Collects Food for Animals Affected by Earthquake

Following the August 10, 2026 earthquake in western Colombia, the Alcaldía de Bogotá announced that the first day of relief efforts successfully gathered 3.3 tons of animal food and emergency supplies. Led by the Instituto Distrital de Protección y Bienestar Animal (IDPYBA) at Corferias during Expopet 2026, the ongoing campaign draws vital support from private partners to protect displaced pets.

The intersection of emergency management and community solidarity in Colombia highlights a crucial operational reality: natural disasters instantly disrupt vulnerable domestic animals alongside human populations. As media platforms track regional recovery, understanding how civic institutions mobilize resources offers a clear lens into modern crisis logistics.

The Bottom Line

• Bogotá collected 3.3 tons of pet food and emergency supplies during the opening day of relief efforts at Corferias.
• The initiative runs through August 17, 2026, operating in the framework of Expopet 2026 with backing from IDPYBA, Corferias, LATAM, Gabrica, and the Cruz Roja.
• Experts emphasize safe retrieval protocols for pets disoriented by seismic activity, prioritizing verified rescue over abrupt handling.

Mobilizing Aid at Corferias

According to reports from Semana, the initial 3.3-ton collection includes dry and wet food, bowls, collars, leashes, muzzles, Elizabethan collars, cleaning supplies, and unexpired veterinary medicines.

Donations are accepted daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Corferias, specifically located in the former Davivienda offices near the main entrance arch. Antonio Hernández Llamas, director of the Instituto de Protección y Bienestar Animal (IDPYBA), highlighted the public’s swift engagement. “Bogotá has responded very well always that animals have needed our help. Today once again it is time to work hand in hand between the Mayor’s Office, private enterprise, and the citizenry to bring help to those who require it most: the animals,” stated Hernández Llamas, as noted by AnimalesBog.

Logistical Support and Strategic Partners

Managing large-scale supply collection requires tight coordination between municipal agencies and private enterprises. The ongoing relief effort relies on a broad coalition of institutional backers to streamline transport and distribution to the impacted western zones.

Relief Parameter	Operational Detail
Initial Collection Volume	3.3 tons of food and supplies (Day 1)
Collection Venue	Corferias (Former Davivienda offices, main entrance)
Operating Hours	10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through August 17, 2026
Key Partners	Alcaldía de Bogotá, IDPYBA, Corferias, Expopet, LATAM, Gabrica, Cruz Roja

Corporate and logistical partnerships, including transport support via LATAM and supply contributions from Gabrica, ensure that the aid moves efficiently from the capital to regions requiring urgent veterinary intervention.

Navigating Animal Safety Post-Disaster

Diego Alexander Hernández Pulido, a professor of Veterinary Medicine at Uniagraria and an expert in disaster risk management, noted that seismic shocks cause severe disorientation among dogs and cats.

Photo: semana.com

When encountering frightened animals in disaster zones, proper protocols prevent accidental injury or secondary flight. According to guidelines outlined by Semana, rescuers should avoid chasing or grabbing animals abruptly. Instead, individuals must approach slowly, speak in calm tones, check for identification tags, and prioritize immediate veterinary care if visible wounds or emergencies are present.

The Path Forward for Regional Recovery

With collection drives scheduled to run through August 17, 2026, during Expopet 2026, organizers anticipate sustained civic participation. The prompt mobilization in Bogotá underscores how urban centers rally resources during national emergencies.

How has your local community mobilized during recent crises, and what role do private-public partnerships play in disaster relief? Share your thoughts in the comments below.