EcoWatch: Hurricane impacts on wildlife and animals
“Whenever there’s human devastation, there’s animal devastation. If people can’t get out, animals can’t get out!”
Sierra Club, Environmental Organization
The extreme effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will not be fully known for quite some time. Officials are still searching for survivors and the deceased in many areas, and the figures are expected to rise.
Wildlife has not escaped the onslaught of these brutal storms. Reports show that almost all wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the path of the storms have been damaged beyond repair. Right now, facilities in the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte areas cannot accept animals in need of care, and some may not reopen for quite a while.
This will be a difficult report to write, as I remember all the animals brought there for rest and recovery from Boca Grande. Lorn the Crow spent many years there as a great ambassador for crows and wildlife.
Reports on the Peace River Wildlife Center site state that they will not rebuild after being destroyed by the hurricanes, as it would take millions to build a new facility. They will not rebuild in the same location. They ask that injured animals not be brought to their location, as they are unable to treat or house any wildlife. Their animals were transferred to other locations for safety and care. The Center will seek grants and raise funds to build in a new location. Visit their site for more information on their hopes and plans for the future.
The Animal Welfare League of Port Charlotte is not accepting any new animals at this time, as they suffered disastrous damage. They need supplies, donations, and assistance. Visit their site for more information.
Closer to home, the Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood also suffered extensive damages and is asking for donations to rebuild. Visit their website for details on how to help.
The Bit of Home Horse Rescue facility in Englewood, Florida, managed to save all the horses in their care, despite being surrounded by water. This facility needs supplies and help to get the ranch back in shape. Information is available on their website.
Save the Manatee Club issued a statement on Hurricane Milton and the plight of manatees in its devastating path. They reported that unusually high water levels may allow manatees to access areas where they later become trapped as the water recedes, which has happened. Manatees may become stranded, and manatee calves are more easily separated from their mothers during a storm. This has been observed. Additionally, debris and pollution washed into their environment may be ingested or contribute to algal blooms, which has also occurred.
There is a major concern that their food source may have been wiped out or contaminated. Reports attributed to Hurricanes Helene and Milton suggest that some manatees have been stranded or displaced due to flooding, though the exact number of fatalities is not yet available.
Before the storm, some manatees in care facilities were transferred out of Florida to the Cincinnati Zoo for safety and continued treatment. Visit the Save the Manatee site for more information on how to help.
The dangers of factory farming have been a majorconcern. Factory farming is a process where thousands of animals are raised for slaughter in huge facilities. According to an article by The Companion, an organization fighting factory farming, “Hurricane Helene has been one of the latest natural disasters to strike the southeastern United States, bringing devastation to rural communities, farms, and farm animals.’
According to initial estimates, Helene killed over 1.5 million chickens and thousands of pigs and cows across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Like previous hurricanes, this tragic loss of animal life sheds light on the vulnerabilities inherent in industrial animal agriculture.
Recent figures as of October 7, after Hurricane Milton, show that 3.4 million chickens and 5,500 pigs confined on factory farms were killed. More than 100 manure lagoons are at risk of overflowing, potentially contaminating rivers, lakes, and ponds in these areas. A follow-up story on this issue will be forthcoming.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton were indiscriminate in their damage, affecting both humans and animals. From the smallest creatures to the largest, all were targeted. Sea birds, especially those that didn’t leave early, suffered significant losses.
According to news reports, four cormorants on Indian Rocks Beach were lucky. They were buried up to their necks in the sand, struggling to free themselves when two young boys found them and sought help. The birds were dehydrated but are reportedly doing well now.
Sharks, dolphins, and other sea animals fared better than smaller fish. Reports suggest they prepared early and evacuated the area. Neil Hammerschlag, director of the shark research and conservation program at the University of Miami, said, “From two weeks out, sharks can detect the changes when the barometric pressure drops and start heading for deep water. Other species can also detect this occurrence and leave the area.”
What is certain is that 250 people died, and how many of them stayed behind because they would not leave their pets is unknown. A lack of emergency shelters for pets in many locations must be addressed before future hurricanes, which are sure to come.
As of now, almost all wildlife rehabilitation centers in the path of these two hurricanes have been wiped out, and they need help and supplies. If you have one in your area and can assist, please do so.
There will be many more stories to write about this calamity that hit our state. Stay tuned.
email: gaiasvigil@gmail.com
