The founder of an animal shelter in Afghanistan who rescued more than 100 dogs and cats said he was still working to get "terrified" staff members out of the country.
Paul "Pen" Farthing used a private charter flight to bring some 150 animals to the UK.
His 68 staff members were left behind, prompting criticism he was prioritising pets over people.
Mr Farthing said he was working "every day to get them out".
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Royal Marine, from Essex, said: "We are not giving up. People think I've got the animals out, that's it. It is not. Operation Ark was always people and animals.