Sadly, not too long ago, we saw firsthand the devastating
power of nature. When Duluth was overcome by unprecedented flooding, our hearts
broke that zoo animals and pets lost their lives. People’s homes and the lives
they knew were destroyed by the onslaught of rising waters.
As we watch the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, we are so
concerned about the safety and well-being of the people and animals in this
storm’s path. With 50-60 million people possibly affected by storm surges
predicted at 4-11 feet, we can’t help but think about how many homeless animals
and captive exotics might be affected, too.
We also worry about Bhutan, the snow leopard we offered a
home to. He was recently relocated back to an East Coast zoo that happens to be
in the eye of the storm. As we do for all the other animals and humans, we pray
for his safety. Our thoughts are with the zoos and animal care facilities that
can’t evacuate, who have to implement their disaster plans and try to survive
whatever comes their way.
