A 9-year-old Arizona boy is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a kitten that a group of older kids were cruelly tossing “like a football.”
At a skate park in Somerton, Ariz., Zayin Berry rushed toward the group and offered his prized skateboard in exchange for the frightened animal.
His quick thinking not only saved the kitten’s life but also earned him national recognition as the ASPCA’s 2025 “Kid of the Year.”
Zayin Berry, 9, stepped in to save a tiny kitten that a group of older kids were cruelly tossing “like a football.”
The young hero from Yuma, Arizona, was honored for his bravery at the ASPCA Humane Awards ceremony on Oct. 9 at New York’s Plaza Hotel.
The annual event celebrates people and animals whose actions reflect compassion, courage, and dedication to protecting animals.
“I saw the older kids tossing a baby kitten around like he was a football,” Berry recalled in remarks shared by the ASPCA and first reported by People magazine. “I felt sad and mad because of the poor kitty.”
Without hesitation, Zayin said he grabbed his skateboard and ran over to the group. “I told them they could play with my skateboard if they wanted to,” he said. “They stopped tossing the kitty around and took off with my board.”
The kitten, later named Peaches, had to have his right eye removed after developing a severe infection caused by the abuse he suffered.
Zayin was heartbroken when he realized how badly the tiny animal was hurt.
“He was really hurt in his eyes and paws, with yucky stuff all over him,” Zayin told People. “He was so small when I picked him up — he was meowing, and I ran over to my mom and told her I found this kitty and he needs our help.”
His mother, Rhiannon Berry, recalled the moment her son came running toward her, clutching the trembling orange kitten.
“You could hear his breathing was congested, and his paws were caked with gunk,” she said.
The family gently cleaned Peaches and rushed him to the Humane Society of Yuma for emergency care. Veterinarians discovered a severe eye infection and a respiratory illness. Despite their efforts to save his eye, it had to be surgically removed.
“They told my mom there was a chance that, once everything was done, Peaches might lose his eye,” Zayin recalled.
“My mom and the shelter staff explained it to me, and I told them, ‘I don’t care, as long as he lives — because he’s my best friend.’”
The kitten — named Peaches for his soft orange-and-cream fur — recovered quickly after surgery. Humane Society staff said Zayin’s quick thinking and compassion saved the animal’s life.
“For Zayin to have that level of care and drive at such a young age is honestly outstanding,” said Lauren Twerdak, a spokesperson for the shelter.
News of the skateboard trade spread quickly through the Yuma community. Local businesses, including a skateboard retailer, donated supplies and a gift card so Zayin could replace the board he’d given away. Community donations also helped the Berry family cover Peaches’ adoption and medical expenses.
Zayin said he’s never once regretted the trade. Today, the one-eyed cat sleeps beside him every night and has become a beloved member of the family.
“He loves me and sleeps right next to my face and gives me kisses in the morning,” Zayin said with a smile. “We’re meant to be together. I saved him — he’s mine. He’s my best friend.”
At the ASPCA ceremony, Zayin and Peaches appeared onstage together as the organization honored the boy for his extraordinary empathy and moral courage.
