In Mexico, one local hero has made it his mission to save animals in need — and he does it dressed like a superhero.
Known online as @zadrigman, Duke isn’t your typical rescuer. When emergency calls come in, he slips into his bright blue-and-green costume before racing to the scene. His goal? To remind people — especially kids — that real heroes protect the voiceless.
“I wear a superhero costume,” Duke explained in a video for The Dodo. “Because I want to inspire younger generations to help animals in need.”
One day, Duke got a heartbreaking tip — a bulldog had been dumped in a dumpster. Without hesitation, he grabbed his gear and sped off.
When he arrived, he froze. A small black nose was poking out from a pile of garbage.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Duke said. “I felt so disappointed.”
Digging through the trash, he uncovered the weak, motionless bulldog — abandoned after being used by a backyard breeder who discarded her when she could no longer have puppies.
The rescuer learned that the pup was formerly owned by a backyard breeder, who threw her away like trash when she couldn’t have puppies anymore.
With no one caring for her, she grew weak and could no longer walk. Duke cradled her in his arms and told her she’d be OK.
Duke carefully lifted her out, holding her close.
“You don’t belong in the trash,” he whispered. “You don’t.”
At the vet, the exhausted pup began to realize she was finally safe.
“She gave a kiss,” Duke recalled, “as if to say thank you.”
Despite all she’d been through, the little bulldog radiated warmth and trust — her gentle spirit untouched by cruelty.
Once she regained her strength, she moved to a local animal care center, where rescuers helped her walk again and find comfort among new friends.
Today, she’s thriving — loved, cared for, and no longer invisible.
“I am happy,” Duke said. “After all, she had a happy ending.”
💚 To follow more of Duke’s real-life rescues, visit him on Instagram at @zadrigman.
