Boy, 9, saves kitten that was being 'tossed around like a football'

A 9-year-old Arizona boy is being feted as a hero after he saved a small kitten that was being tossed around by a group of older kids “like he was a football.”

Zayin Berry ran toward the group at a Somerton, Ariz. skate park and offered his prized skateboard in exchange for the terrified animal.

Berry’s quick-thinking saved the kitten’s life and later earned him national recognition as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025.

The young hero, who lives in Yuma, received the award at the ASPCA Humane Awards ceremony on Oct. 9 at New York’s Plaza Hotel.

The annual event honors people and animals whose actions embody compassion and courage in the protection of animals.

Zayin Berry, 9, intervened to save a small kitten that was being tossed around by a group of older kids “like he was a f