Arizona boy, 9, makes huge sacrifice to save kitten tossed by older kids like a football

In a remarkable act of bravery, a 9-year-old boy from Arizona, Zayin Berry, has received praise as a hero after rescuing a small kitten from a group of older kids who were tossing it around “like a football.”

At a skate park in Somerton, Arizona, Zayin sprinted towards the older children and offered his cherished skateboard in exchange for the frightened kitten.

Thanks to Zayin’s quick thinking, the kitten’s life was spared, which later earned him national acclaim as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025.

The compassionate boy from Yuma was honored during the ASPCA Humane Awards ceremony held on October 9 at New York’s Plaza Hotel.

This prestigious annual event celebrates individuals and animals whose acts reflect empathy and bravery in the mission to protect animals.

Reflecting on the incident, Zayin shared, “I saw the older kids throwing a baby kitten around like it was a football. It made me sad and mad for the poor kitty.” His remarks were initially reported by People Magazine.

He explained, “I grabbed my skateboard and went over to the kids, telling them they could use it if they let the kitten go.”

“They stopped tossing the kitty and ran off with my skateboard.”

Upon seeing how injured the animal was, Zayin felt horrified.

“He was really hurt around his eyes and paws, with disgusting stuff all over him,” Zayin recounted to People.

“He was so tiny when I picked him up, meowing, and I rushed over to my mom to tell her he needs our help.”

Rhiannon Berry, Zayin’s mother, mentioned how her son ran to her holding the small orange kitten.

“You could hear its congested breathing, and there was gunk all over his paws,” she noted.

The Berry family brought the injured kitten home, cleaned him up, and took him to the Humane Society of Yuma for urgent care.

Veterinarians discovered a severe eye infection and a respiratory illness. Despite attempts to save his eye, it sadly had to be surgically removed.

“The vet told my mom there was a chance he might lose his eye,” Zayin said.

“When they explained it to me, I told them, ‘I don’t care as long as he lives. He’s my best friend.’”

The kitten, affectionately named Peaches for his orange-and-cream hue, bounced back swiftly after surgery.

Staff at the Humane Society credited Zayin’s quick decision as the key to saving the kitten’s life.

“For Zayin to display such care and motivation at such a young age is truly commendable,” stated Lauren Twerdak, a spokesperson for the shelter.

News about Zayin’s heroic skateboard trade quickly circulated throughout the Yuma community. Local businesses, including skateboard shops, came forward to provide donations and gift cards to help Zayin replace his board.

Additional donations assisted the family with Peaches’ adoption and medical fees.

Zayin expressed that he has no regrets about giving up his skateboard. The one-eyed kitten now sleeps beside him every night, becoming a beloved companion for Zayin and his siblings.

“He loves me and sleeps right next to my face, giving me kisses in the morning,” Zayin shared with joy.

“We’re meant to be together, and I saved him. He’s mine. He is my best friend.”

During the ASPCA ceremony, Zayin and Peaches joined forces on stage as the organization honored the boy for showcasing empathy and courage at such a young age.