World Animal Protection: Flamingos in bathrooms and more options to help animals during a Hurricane

Protecting 30 flamingos in a man’s bathroom. Tough times justify unusual actions to not only protect humans but animals likewise. Hurricane Irma is battering Caribbean nations as it makes its way toward the U.S. mainland. Not since Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines in 2013 has the world seen a storm with sustained winds of this speed.

International charity World Animal Protection is deploying our global teams to provide emergency treatment for animals and the people who rely on them.

In disasters, animals experience stress, get injured or fall ill. As the world has seen in the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, animals suffer shock and injuries from flying debris, illnesses brought on by inhaling water, and exposure to disease.

While disaster response rightly prioritizes people’s immediate needs, the long-term recovery from disasters is inextricably linked with the well-being of their animals. Communities and people affected by the storms across the Caribbean depend on livestock to make ends meet, and as the recovery process begins, saving animals will provide stability for their future.

 Steven Clegg, International Response Manager at World Animal Protection, says: 

“Initial reports of damage in places like Barbuda are staggering. This is a storm unlike virtually any other. We expect animals to need medical treatment and shelter.”

“We are very concerned for the animals who are often forgotten victims of disasters, and our teams are on the way to protect them.”

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda described the devastation as “near total” and estimated upwards of 95% of the structures on the island are damaged or destroyed. A second hurricane, Hurricane Jose, is on course to follow in Irma’s deadly path and could divert emergency response. “We are determined to help the animals and will get there as soon as we possibly can,” added Clegg.

World Animal Protection teams in the Caribbean are in touch with local governments and local veterinarians and are on standby to:

• provide immediate assistance to animals on the ground injured from the hurricane and meet basic needs for survival. This could include veterinary care, shelter and feed.
• provide emergency veterinary kit items which will include dressings and treatment for wounded animals, treatment of diarrhea, pneumonia and other potential post-flood diseases.
• assess the wider and longer-term needs for the animals in partnership with governments.