The Cat Who Soared: After 380-Foot Fall, Miracle Kitty Gets Her Wings

In the heart of Utah’s breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park, a remarkable rescue is purring its way into headlines—and hearts—around the world.

Last week, hikers exploring the park heard faint, desperate meows echoing from a steep cliff face. Peering over the edge, they spotted a terrified cat stranded more than 300 feet down on a narrow ledge. No one knows exactly how she got there, but rangers believe she may have fallen—or scrambled—down the red rock escarpment in search of shade or shelter.

Enter: The Helicopter Hero

Enter Park Service helicopter pilot Jake Morrison, who happened to be on duty for a wildlife monitoring mission. “We’re usually tracking bighorns or checking water supplies,” Jake said, “but this was a first—a feline airlift.”

With the help of rangers and an animal control officer, Jake carefully maneuvered his chopper over the canyon wall. A crew member rappelled down to the ledge, scooped up the dusty and dehydrated cat, and secured her for the lift.

“She didn’t even hiss,” Jake said. “Just looked at me like, ‘Took you long enough.’”

A New Home—and a New Name

The cat, miraculously uninjured after what may have been a 380-foot fall or climb, was checked out by a local vet and declared perfectly healthy (though extremely hungry). No collar. No microchip. No one came forward to claim her.

So Jake did.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about her,” he said. “It just felt like fate.”

He named her Delta, after his helicopter, and she’s now comfortably installed in his home—and occasionally the cockpit. “She’s already tried to nap on the control panel,” Jake laughed.

A Story to Lift the Spirits

Bryce Canyon’s staff shared the rescue on their social media page, calling it a “miracle meow-ment” and praising the team effort. Comments poured in from around the world, with many celebrating the kindness, quick thinking, and of course, Delta’s unmatched resilience.

As for Jake and Delta? They’ve got plans to fly again soon—this time, just for fun.