Tsunami the Rescue Dog Gets a Statue in Maracaibo, Sculpted by 17-Year-Old Josué Benjamín Figueroa

A monumental sculpture of Tsunami, the border collie credited with finding 25 survivors following two earthquakes in Venezuela, was revealed at Maracaibo's Vereda del Lago Park. Created by 17-year-old Venezuelan artist Josué Benjamín Figueroa, the piece is titled Guardián de la esperanza (Guardian of Hope) and follows an earlier life-size tribute to the dog. During the unveiling, Tsunami was celebrated by hundreds and posed beside the statue. Maracaibo's Mayor Giancarlo Di Martino emphasized the monument's role in reminding countless families that hope and solidarity endure in tough times, referencing Tsunami's contributions in Venezuela and abroad in Turkey and Syria. Rescued from abuse by Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales (Aproa), Tsunami was later adopted and trained by Jorge Beens, who recognized his exceptional scent-tracking skills. After the event, Tsunami and Beens rode through the city on a firetruck, engaging with the public. Although they have retired from their rescue efforts, the statue immortalizes their legacy.