Saves Frozen Toads from Supermarket Salad: an account of Griesheimer's action
In the quaint eastern Hessian town of Großkrotzenburg, a rare find was made during an estate sale: ten artifacts of endangered animal species, including a small frog that was in cold stasis. This discovery sparked a chain of events that led to the successful revival of the frozen amphibian, thanks to the quick thinking and compassion of Cem Güney.
The frog's survival relied on carefully simulating the natural thawing process of spring. Frog species have evolved to withstand freezing almost solid during winter, using antifreeze-like biological adaptations. These adaptations include nucleating proteins in their blood that cause ice crystals to form outside their cells, large amounts of glucose inside their cells that protect them from dehydration during freezing, and the complete stoppage of heart and brain activity during freezing, which will only resume upon a gradual thaw.
Cem Güney, the unsung hero of this tale, found the frog hidden in a packaged salad from a supermarket refrigerated section. Instead of discarding the frog with the salad, he decided to take action. He warmed the frog gradually and gently, mimicking the natural warming of spring melt to avoid damaging sudden temperature shifts. He ensured the environment was free of disturbances, like excessive handling or drying out, and allowed the frog to slowly rehydrate internally as the ice melted within its body.
This approach respected the frog’s evolved mechanisms that protect its cells during freezing by avoiding abrupt changes that could cause damage. The gradual thaw permitted the frog’s organs to restart their functions naturally as the ice crystals outside cells melted and the glucose stabilized cell hydration.
Cem Güney's actions were praised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who thanked him for his actions and awarded him the "Hero for Animals" title. Dr. Yvonne Würz, biologist at PETA, hopes that others will follow Cem Güney's example in similar situations and choose to help, not look away.
In a remarkable twist, Cem Güney used AI to aid in the frog's revival. However, detailed step-by-step rescue procedures like Cem Güney's mission are not widely documented, making this a unique and inspiring story.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Germany, other animal-related incidents were reported. In Biblis, at least fifty chickens were stolen, with their bodies found and heads left at the scene. An injured owl was rescued by police at a Darmstadt crossing. Among the preserved animals found during the estate sale in Großkrotzenburg were crocodiles and a tortoise.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that every creature matters and that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Cem Güney released the revived frog in a pond in his parents' garden, ensuring its continued survival and the prevention of unnecessary suffering and the death of the animal.
The revived frog was released in a pond in Cem Güney's parents' home-and-garden, marking a new chapter in its life. Inspired by Cem's actions, others could consider adopting a similar lifestyle, taking the time to help endangered species when they encounter them.
