He looks like Batman — but his mission is even more heartwarming. 🦇❤️ This real-life hero dresses up as the Dark Knight to rescue thousands of adorable animals. 🐾 Why does he do it, and what’s the story behind the cape? Find out in the article below! 👇✨
In Florida, a man dressed as Batman isn’t fighting crime—he’s fighting for homeless animals. Meet Chris Van Dorn, a 27-year-old who has dedicated his life to rescuing stray and shelter animals, ensuring they find safe and loving homes.
Chris’s journey into animal rescue began when he adopted his own dog, Mister, from a shelter. That life-changing experience made him realize how many animals were in desperate need of help. But his passion for animal welfare started even earlier. In 2014, he helped his father adopt a malnourished, tick-covered Australian Shepherd, which had been found wandering the forests of Alabama. Seeing the transformation of that rescue dog inspired Chris to take action on a larger scale.
Determined to make a difference, he founded Batman4Paws, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing animals from shelters, transporting them to new homes, and advocating for adoption instead of pet purchases.
Chris works tirelessly to save animals that are at risk of euthanasia in municipal shelters. Many facilities don’t have the resources to keep animals indefinitely, meaning those who aren’t adopted in time face being put to sleep. Van Dorn steps in to transport these animals to safety, giving them another chance at life.
He also educates the public about the importance of adopting rescue pets instead of buying from breeders. Handing out informational flyers and speaking to people, he encourages them to open their homes to pets in need.
To carry out his mission, Chris primarily drives an old Honda, which can cover about 1,000 kilometers per trip. But when distances are greater, he takes to the skies—sometimes flying private aircraft to complete urgent rescues. His long-term dream is to buy a van so he can transport even more animals at once.
Chris didn’t have to dress up as Batman to save animals, but the superhero’s symbolism of hope and justice resonated with him. A lifelong fan of the comics, he decided that the costume could help him attract attention to his cause. Over time, his efforts gained popularity, and while he initially remained anonymous, his identity eventually became known.
Still, the costume continues to serve an important purpose—it makes people take notice and helps build trust in his mission. Every time he successfully finds a home for a cat or dog, he proudly takes a photo with the new pet owner, ensuring that each rescued animal gets their own happy ending.
Chris Van Dorn may not be fighting villains, but for countless homeless animals, he truly is a hero.
