We want to start by thanking our wonderful supporters for their patience over the past week.  It has been a week fraught with shock, distress and, at times, elation. And most of it has played out over the world's media which is something we have no control over.

So although it is with mixed emotions and a sincere and very deep feeling of sadness for the Afghan people, Nowzad can take a breath to announce that Pen and the animals have arrived safely in the UK, and have spent the last two days since arriving back recovering from a journey none of us would ever want to take. The past two days have also included endless veterinary care visits to the dogs and cats at their quarantine kennels to check on their welfare and health, with the Nowzad team on hand 24/7 to support the medical staff with the necessary administrative procedures required for their entry into the UK and life here afterwards.

As has always been the case, Operation Ark is NOT over until the Afghan Nowzad team are out of danger.  We have been working tirelessly to secure their evacuation...... we will NOT rest until they have reached safety.

We thank you all wholeheartedly for giving us the breathing space to get this essential work done over the past week, and for the dedication that you have consistently given to our Operation Ark mission for the rescue of these animals and our wonderful staff. We also look forward to showing you their onwards journey and Pen will be posting up personal messages to all Nowzad supporters whenever he can, and when he has recovered from his ordeal. Please check this website page for updates as we receive them.

Once again but with such heartfelt sentiment - thank-you all - this would not have been possible without your support.

Yes I managed to get the animals of @Nowzad on a flight to safety. I couldn’t take my staff as the Taliban put an AK47 in my face & told me they were staying. Not much I could do. BUT that does not mean we have given up. It was always and will BE ‘people & animals’ #OperationArk pic.twitter.com/ARA7Th44dG

— Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) August 31, 2021