Achi is one step closer to freedom as he makes one last step in an arduous and emotional journey in SA.
Update: Since Achi was moved to Cape Town, the date of his release has come and gone, without his release. His owner, Sarah, reached out on the 7th of September 2025, to advise that he is being kept due to unpaid bills; however, she is unable to find someone who can draw up the bills, and she has had no insight into his well-being since. What was a hopeful update is now shrouded in fear and unknown outcomes once again. Achi’s release is yet to happen.
East London, South Africa (27 August 2025) – Achi, the chocolate Labrador who stole our hearts (and almost broke them), has officially left the building, having departed from Nahoon Bird & Animal Clinic after quarantining there for almost a month.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Achi began what will hopefully be the final stretch of his long road to freedom.
He has left East London, safely en route to a state quarantine facility in Cape Town.
It’s been just over three weeks since the good boy, his Swiss owners, and their yacht were rescued 21 nautical miles off the coast by the NSRI. And it’s been a rollercoaster since then.
Because Achi arrived without the right paperwork, officials ordered him to be euthanised, sparking national outcry, petitions, and an outpouring of support from South Africans who refused to let that happen.
And thankfully, it didn’t.
Related Stories
An Animal Rescue Parade is Happening in Cape Town This Sunday!
All the Wins From CapeNature's 2026 State of Conservation Report!Before heading off to Cape Town, Achi got one last scratch and cuddle from Catherine Prentis, the Station Commander of NSRI Station 7, who rescued the family, and Achi’s real-life guardian angel.
“Catherine has been part of Achi’s rescue from the beginning to the end and has literally given blood, sweat and tears to ensure that everything possible was done to prevent Achi from being euthanased,” shared the Nahoon Bird & Animal Clinic. “When it comes to ‘having your back’, Catherine has Achi’s.”
We’re not crying, you are.
Now, Achi is on the final leg before reuniting with his owners and flying home.
Achi will remain in quarantine in Cape Town while final tests are conducted. If all comes back clear, he’ll be released on 5 September and reunited with his family.
It’s been a long, uncertain few weeks.
At one point, the Labby had three euthanasia appointments lined up. Each time, a last-minute intervention stepped in to give him another shot.
The NSRI, local vets, the Swiss Consulate, and thousands of South Africans (and others from around the world) helped fight for Achi’s life.
And it worked.
Meanwhile, the Nahoon Bird & Animal Clinic, where Achi was quarantined, has officially reopened after a full professional disinfection. The clinic was closed for the duration of Achi’s quarantine.
Animals that were also confined during the lockdown are now heading back to their homes. Their owners’ patience, kindness, and understanding have made all the difference in this story.
Dr Pete Wood, the vet who did everything in his power to protect Achi, shared this message with the community:
“I would like to emphasise that at no time did I seek to defy the Veterinary Services but, having a profound regard for the sanctity of life, sought to do what I considered correct under the circumstances,” he said.
He also thanked the many people who lent support during this difficult time. It’s amazing what we can do when we work together.
by 
